Media Statement
Monday, 31 August 2026
For Immediate Release
September is Arbor Month – a time to transform Johannesburg’s green landscape, one tree at a time
Grab your spades and watering cans, and let’s get down to planting trees this Arbor Month!
As Johannesburg observes Arbor Month, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is calling on residents, schools, businesses and community groups to get involved in tree-planting initiatives throughout September. From 1 September to the end of September, communities are encouraged to plant indigenous and fruit trees and become active participants in creating a greener Johannesburg.
JCPZ, the entity at the forefront of greening the City of Johannesburg, believes that every tree planted is an investment in the future. Trees are natural environmental champions: they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, filter pollutants from the air and help improve the quality of life in urban areas. This is particularly important in a bustling city like Joburg, where traffic congestion and illegal burning of chemical and other harmful substances can contribute to air pollution.
But the value of trees goes far beyond clean air and beautiful streets.
As communities across the globe face increasingly frequent and severe weather events, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and powerful storms, trees are becoming an increasingly important part of our environmental resilience. They help absorb and slow stormwater, reduce soil erosion, and provide shade and cooling during extreme heat.
While planting trees cannot prevent natural disasters, a healthy and well-maintained urban forest can help communities reduce some of the environmental pressures associated with extreme weather and adapt to a changing climate.
Indigenous trees are particularly important because they are adapted to local environmental conditions and provide essential food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife. By planting the right trees in the right places and caring for them over time, Johannesburg can expand its already large tree canopy, while creating healthier and more attractive spaces for residents.
Greening Joburg is not the responsibility of one organisation – it is a shared responsibility. Every resident, school, business and community has a role to play.
Arbor Month reminds us that the simple act of planting one tree at a time can change our landscape. That small action today can provide shade, cleaner air, biodiversity and environmental benefits for decades to come.
City Parks and Zoo will be on the ground this Arbor Month. Here are our plans. What are yours? Join us this September!
This September, let’s get our hands dirty Mzansi, let us move beyond simply celebrating trees and take action to grow them.
Plant a tree. Nurture it. Protect it.
Together, let us grow a greener, healthier and more resilient Jozi.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of:
Thanduxolo Mendrew
Managing Director; Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media enquiries:
Jenny Moodley; Senior Manager: Intergovernmental Relations, Media and Advocacy
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo; M: 082 803 0748 / jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. M: 069 007 1982 / nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
