Alberton Record
CoE encourages residents to plant trees this spring
The upcoming spring and summer heatwaves prompt a strong suggestion to plant trees to provide additional shade and introduce a cooling effect.
Celebrating Arbour Month this September, the city aims to inspire individuals to partake in tree planting activities and contribute to environmental preservation efforts across South Africa.
Planting trees yields various benefits for the environment, including combating climate change, reducing soil erosion, offering shade, enhancing soil fertility, and aiding in moisture retention.
Traditionally, each year highlights the recognition of two trees, one familiar and the other unique.
This year’s common tree of the year is the Searsia lancea, a shade tree well-suited for gardens and pavements. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and boasts fragrant blossoms.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, revealed that the rare tree of the year is the Euphorbia sekukuniensis. Known as the sekhukhune naboom in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, this tree thrives in hot climates, prefers rocky soils, and produces blossoms that entice butterflies, bees, and other insects.
“Given the city’s industrial focus and higher carbon emissions, advocating for tree planting is crucial to oxygen production and ecosystem preservation,” emphasized Zweli.
