A crucial part to play in our lives

In South Africa we celebrate National Arbour Day. This is done by dedicating a whole week in September to encourage all South Africans to plant native trees. The goal of Arbour week is to raise awareness on the current status of our trees in South Africa. 

Trees are important to the ecosystem and to us humans. They play a role in the overall health of the environment by acting as purifier for pollution and carbon dioxide that has been released in the atmosphere mainly due to fossil fuels. In return this contributes to a reduction in climate change and increases oxygen levels. One tree can provide enough oxygen for four people - how incredible is that? Humans benefit from trees by making use of their shelter, protection and for production purposes such as timber and medicinal sources. With this said, people tend to invest in properties with greener surroundings as it stimulates a healthier work and living space. Another special thing about trees is that they provide a safe and secure habitat for wildlife by offering a variety of food sources and shelter. It is clear that trees have their part to play in the social, economic and natural sectors, which is why it is important to promote and protect our healthy trees. 

Invasive Species 

However, planting trees includes a good understanding of the tree species and the habitat it occurs in. Trees should be planted in areas where they will obtain the recourses they need for optimal growth. Each tree species has a particular role and by planting them in a suitable ecosystem, it will be more beneficial to them as well as to us. For example, Spekboom (Porulacaria afra) thrives in subtropical thicket biomes due to the growing conditions being ideal for it, however if you were to plant an Spekboom in a dense area with little to no sunlight, it will result in the plant not 

achieving its full potential. This brings us to the next topic, invasive tree species. Invasive species are plant/tree species that are not native to an area and instead poses a threat to the natural species. Good examples of invasive species in South Africa are Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Eucalyptus species or Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops). Invasive species have the ability to outcompete indigenous vegetation by influencing the water and nutrient availability, soil structure and fire regimes, consequently changing the whole ecosystem surrounding it. 

What is the solution? 

The best solution is to avoid planting invasive species, instead eradicate and replace them by restoring natural vegetation. This includes planting native trees and plants that are fit for the chosen area. By doing this we provide an opportunity to our native species to restore in its natural system. This is why Arbour Day is important as its not only about planting trees but planting the correct trees and plants in natural and urban areas where it can contribute to a healthier and more functional environment for us to live in. 

Stefani Vos, Landscape Practitioner, Living Lands 

Stefani Vos is a Landscape Practitioner of Living Lands, an organisation that works directly with farmers, land owners and land users to support land rehabilitation and sustainable veld management. In her day-to-day work, she is out in the field looking at sustainable veld practices and rehabilitation activities in the Langkloof region, Eastern Cape. Her passion lies with ecology and her love for nature is what made her chose this career. Her main goal is to make a difference on the landscape that she works in.