Why plant a tree?
Where should we plant trees?
How can you get involved?
It is estimated that 80% of South Africa’s people live in urban areas.
If we do not start planning for park development and tree planting
along streets and in open spaces now, generations to come might
never get to know the wonder of trees …
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Increasing the number of trees could substantially offset the
predicted temperature rises due to global warming. Ten percent of
green space could reduce urban surface temperatures by as much as
4%.
What kind of trees should
we plant?
Talk to the people in your community – you can apply to the City of
Cape Town to have trees planted on the pavement, in open areas or
just inside your property if there is no space on the pavement. It is
important to know that, if you request trees to be planted on your
pavement, you must undertake to water the trees until they become
established.
Trees have real benefits
Trees are sources of building material, food, medicine and simple
scenic beauty. But more than that, they play a vital role in the health
and wellbeing of our communities.
Trees do not just make the city look pretty, they have real
environmental functions.
• Trees control the greenhouse effect: When heat rises from the tar,
trees act as a natural coolant.
• Carbon dioxide emitted from cars is absorbed by trees and
converted into oxygen.
• Trees reduce noise levels.
• Trees help drain off excess water so as to reduce possible germ
breeding grounds.
• Trees prevent soil erosion.
Trees are also conducive to a healthy economy.
• Trees make an area beautiful, which in turn could help to attract
tourists.
• Houses in woody areas fetch better prices on the property market.
Private gardens
Parks
Schools
Business areas
• Streets
• Open spaces
• Clinics
Because the Western Cape is a water-scarce region, it is best to
plant indigenous trees. Many alien trees (trees that originate from
other countries) tend to use too much water and are also invasive.
However, certain alien species are well-suited to our climate and need
not be excluded.
It is important to consider the root system of trees – indigenous and
alien – when planting them on pavements. Some trees, like pepper
trees, cause huge damage to streets and pavements with their
extensive root systems.
Recommended indigenous trees include:
• Sagewood
• Cape Ash
• Natal Fig
• Wild Olive
• Real Yellowwood
• White Milkwood
• Waterberry
• Camphor Bush
• Keurboom
• Sweet Thorn
Although you are welcome to indicate your preference for a tree
species, the climate of your area will determine the final choice.
CITY PARKS
The tree policy of the
City of Cape Town
Frequently asked questions
As part of the City of Cape Town’s tree policy, is it true that
preference will be given to the planting of indigenous trees?
Yes
No
Must I water and tend to trees that have been planted on the
pavement on my request?
Yes
No
If an exotic tree (not South African) does not need too much water
and is not invasive, am I allowed to plant it?
Yes
No
May I apply to have a tree planted on my pavement?
Yes
No
May I ask Council to remove or prune a tree because it interferes
with my TV reception/causes too much shade/makes a mess?
Yes
No
Does a tree that I plant on the pavement belong to Council?
Yes
No
May I plant a fruit tree, such as an apple or orange tree, on
my pavement?
Yes
No
Am I responsible for the pruning of the trees on my pavement?
Yes
No
May I remove a tree from the pavement by myself?
Yes
No
May I ask Council to remove/prune a tree if it becomes a danger to
traffic/pedestrians?
Yes
No
May I ask Council to remove/prune a tree on my own property?
Yes
No
For complaints and requests
pertaining to trees,
please contact:
City Parks: Support Services
Kholekile Ntame
Telephone 021 400 9538, fax 021 425 2685
E-mail: kholekile.ntame@capetown.gov.za
“Plant for the
planet
- grow green”