Why should we plant trees?

ABOUT PLANTING TREES

Why should we plant trees?

* It is said that it takes 16 trees to supply the oxygen for one person's life. We each owe the earth 16 trees
* Planting trees now will ensure that our children have oxygen in future
* Trees balance out the negative effects of global warming as trees are the best sponges of carbon dioxide
* Trees bring more rain, so we will be ensuring we will have water for future generations
* Indigenous trees and shrubs bring balance to the environment
* Children will have fruit to eat


What should I plant?

* Fruit trees
* Indigenous trees which benefit local ecology (you can plant seeds, seedlings, saplings or plugs - every seeds counts)
* Indigenous shrubs
* Medicinal plants


Where should I plant?
In your garden at home, at schools, wastelands, farm boundaries, along the river banks, hills, roadsides, playground boundaries, public places, coal mines, military areas, universities and educational institutions, government office premises, municipal areas, government lands, industrial areas, places where there are high levels of pollution, etc. (Note: when planting, always seek the permission and support of local government, schools, business, and the respective landowners.)

How do I plant a tree?

* Dig a square hole, half a metre wide by half a metre wide. Keep the dark top soil separate from the lighter soil beneath it. Put the topsoil in the bottom of the hole.
* Remove the plastic bag and placed the tree upright in the hole, so that the base of the tree is just below the ground level.
* Next to the tree's roots, plant a type of pipe at an angle (or use a 2 litre plastic cool drink bottle, cut holes in the bottom of the bottle). The top of the pipe or cool drink bottle must stick out of the ground.
* Mix a small amount of compost or kraal manure with the left over lighter soil, and pack it firmly in the hole.
* Measure one spade length in distance around the tree. In this area, remove all grass and weeds.
* Water the tree and add 10cm layer of mulch (leaves, straw, or strips of newspaper). The mulch must not touch the tree.
* Fill the pipe with water once a week. This prevents wastage by sending water straight to the roots of the tree. Once you have watered the tree, put the lid on the bottle, to prevent evaporation.
* After the first year, water the tree only when the soil is dry.
* Place a wooden stake/ solid stick next to the tree, and tie it loosely to the trees trunk with soft material, such as a stocking to help the tree grow straight.
* Seedlings can be planted in polythene bags, and replanted when sprouting or donated to schools, townships or the Department of Forestry.


How do I take care of my tree?
Adopt a tree! Nurturing your tree is as important as planting. Take care of the saplings and trees as you would a child, for years to come, until it is strong, blossoming and bearing.

Take care of seedlings for at least three months, until they are ready for planting in the ground. Aftercare should entail proper watch, ward and watering for at least five years.

Where do I get seeds/saplings/seedlings, plugs, trees from?
You can get seeds and saplings from government departments like the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, or visit your local nursery and ask advice on what is suitable to plant.