Media Release
City of Johannesburg media advisory by Cllr Margaret Arnolds Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
Monday, 13 September 2021
Release: Immediate
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the champions in greening in the City of Johannesburg is spearheading its tree planting campaign during Arbor month this September.
In his address to mark the start of Arbor month on 1 September at the greening of the historical Brixton cemetery and the planting of 2000 trees, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Jolidee Matongo emphasized that, “The city’s tree planting programme offers the second-best time to do what we could and ought to have done”. The Executive Mayor stated that to reclaim neglected spaces, can never be underestimated; this following the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the planting of 10 million trees in the next five years.
Trees are critical to our well-being, they not only purify the air that we breath, they remove deadly carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while releasing life-saving oxygen. They play a pivotal role in the prevention of floods, soil erosion and provide a safety net for birdlife. The presence of trees in our neighbourhoods enhance the quality of life and create a sense of tranquility in an otherwise bustling metropolitan.
- of Johannesburg is challenging all residents of Joburg to play their part in making our city a green haven by planting indigenous and fruit trees. The theme for this year,” Forest restoration, a path to recovery and well-being “is apt with an intent to restore our environment.
So if you haven’t yet planted your trees this Arbor month, here’s how to get your hands dirty and plant your first of many.
- REMEMBER : Plant only indigenous trees!
- First prepare a hole – measure and dig a hole the size of a spade plate down (height) and the same size should be measured for the wideness of the hole.
- Fill the hole with water until it is muddy and wet.
- Remove the tree from the plastic bag or container.
- Gently tease the roots to avoid damage or breakage.
- Do not pull the tree by the trunk.
- Place the tree in the hole.
- Fill the hole with soil.
- Insert the stake and press the soil firmly.
- Make a basin with the soil in order to capture the water to prevent it from running off.
- Now water your tree.
How to take care of your tree:-
Water
- About 20L of safe grey water can be used per week
- Creating basins around the tree will retain water and prevent run off
Mulch
- Use organic mulch and/or the leaves in your garden
Compost
Instead of trashing your veggie peels, grass cuttings and leaves, mix these with compost from your nearest store for added nutrients.
Control pests
- Inspect your tree for pests (insects) and diseases
- Spray environmentally friendly pesticide to control pests
- Diseased trees should be cut off
“Our city’s infrastructure is growing with new housing developments throughout all our regions. These communities and neighborhoods need trees. Let us start planting trees now for our children and for future generations,” stated Cllr Margaret Arnolds, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Joburg.
Now sit back and watch under a shaded tree, the fruits of you labor grow, for many generations to come.
Ends.
Issued by
Councillor Margaret Arnolds
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg
Media enquiries can be directed to: Noeleen Mattera: Stakeholder & Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo T: 011 712-6722 / E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com; www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com. Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo, Instagram @JoburgParksZoo, on Facebook @JoburgParks and @TheJohannesburgZoo
