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FEATURE

forest comprises all the trees in a cityscape, The demand is ever increasing and creative West, over 1000 trees have already been
TreeKeepers is also interacting with private solutions need to be found to stem the tide. removed under the auspices of the Invasive
landowners and institutions such as The city has been painting the muti trees Species Unit. Academics and practioners
schools and hospitals. These institutions are with PVA paint to prevent further damage are investigating methods to control this
custodians of many mature trees in need but it is a massive undertaking and requires latest threat but the future looks bleak for
of care and attention which contribute in help from citizens and TreeKeepers. our urban forest.
a major way to green infrastructure and a
wider urban ecosystem. The current legislation to clear alien TreeKeepers has learnt that there is a severe
invasive plants from our natural systems is lack of skills in urban forestry practices
TreeKeepers also tries to persuade commendable, but in a city where every tree throughout South Africa and there is
developers to work with the existing counts in terms of shade, heat and pollution a major need for training facilities to
trees on their properties rather than clear reduction, carbon sequestration, habitat for sustain the planning, planting, protection,
a site in order to maximise their profit wildlife, etc. it is very short-sighted to remove maintenance and care of trees, forests,
margins under the current trend towards trees indiscriminately. Cape Town is known to green spaces and related resources in and
densification of cities. Gus van der Spek of be one of the hardest places in the country to around cities and towns.
Aview Developments has recently started establish urban trees and there is therefore
an organisation called the Cape Developers a place in our city for the more resilient The economic, environmental, social and
Tree Association and is raising awareness and possibly even invasive species that are health benefits to local communities
amongst his peers as well as funds for the shunned by many. Pines, Gums, Wattles, etc. are well documented and there are
Greenpop Foundation so that they can may become life savers as temperatures rise many examples overseas which support
continue their excellent work with tree with climate change and especially when one investment in urban forests. Urban forestry
planting and other environmental upgrade considers that half of Cape Town’s population also means the development of citizen
programmes. live in informal settlements and need wood involvement and support for interventions
to keep themselves warm in winter and cook involving long-term, annual tree planting,
There has been a substantial increase in food throughout the year. protection and care programmes. We
bark stripping activities in our natural all need to learn how to become better
forest areas, as well as from urban street More recently, another threat to trees stewards of our environment.
trees. The indigenous Fever tree (Vachellia in South Africa is the Polyphagous/
xanthophloea) and the exotic Camphor Invasive Shothole Borer Beetle (ISHB / If you are interested in becoming
tree (Cinnamomum camphoratus) are being PSHB) and the city is desperately trying to a member of TreeKeepers Cape
targeted as easy pickings for traditional develop a strategy to combat this deadly Town please view our website
medicine which is sold in informal markets. combination of pathogens. In Somerset www.treekeeperscapetown.org.za.

ROOS WHOLESALE NURSERY

Growers of indigenous and exotic shrubs, ornamental
grasses and groundcover plants for the retail and
landscaping markets

Contact: Gerrie 082 410 7219 | Office: Elsie 067 307 8346
accounts@roosnursery.co.za
Plot 20 Beckenden, Tarlton, Krugersdorp
n
ROOS WHOLESALE NURSERY
22 Landscape SA • Issue 115 2022
Roos Wholesale Nursery is a Quality Plant Supplier
to the Retail and Landscaping Markets.

Contact: Gerrie 082 410 7219 | Office: Elsie 011 956 6939
accounts@roosnursery.co.za

ROOS WHOLESALE NURSERY

Roos Wholesale Nursery is a Quality Plant Supplier
to the Retail and Landscaping Markets.

Contact: Gerrie 082 410 7219 | Office: Elsie 011 956 6939
accounts@roosnursery.co.za