Stellenbosch Municipality has dedicated this year’s Arbor Week to all the victims of Covid-19 by planting trees in their memory.
This was according to Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch Municipality’s communications manager.
Arbor Week is a national campaign launched to celebrate South Africa’s trees and to raise awareness about their importance.
From 1 September to 7 September the municipality planted Forest Elder and Oak trees in various areas such as the central business district, Plein Street, Ryneveld Street, Victoria Street, Church Street and Bird Street, said Tammy Leibrandt, Stellenbosch Municipality environmental management manager.
“The plan for Arbor week was to plant one tree per day, each in memory of those who have passed away due to Covid, and for those that have recovered,” said Leibrandt.
A plaque dedicating Arbor Week 2020 to the memory of all the victims who have died and recovered from Covid-19. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
Managing director of mature tree expert company, Trees South Africa, Kalika Redelinghuys, said it is significant that these trees are specifically planted as commemorative trees.
“This strengthens and unites the Stellenbosch community, as well as provides a lifelong memory for the loved ones,” she said.
Why Arbor Week is Important
According to Leibrandt, Arbor Week is important so that everyone celebrates the greening of our planet by planting and donating as many trees as possible. This was highlighted and celebrated during Arbor Week in Stellenbosch, she said.
Stellenbosch Executive Mayor, Advocate Gesie van Deventer standing next to the Oak tree planted on the last day of Arbor Week. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
“It is important to celebrate and recognise the value that trees add to our society. Arbor Week aims to raise awareness and remind us of our beautiful trees and how we should preserve and protect them for future generations,” Redelinghuys said.
Planting trees in Stellenbosch does not only help beautify the town but it also helps the municipality become greener, said Leibrandt.
Leibrandt added that residents of Stellenbosch should plant a tree on their premises, or adopt a tree within their living areas and care for the tree.
A Forest Elder Tree being planted. Redelinghuys stated that the Trees SA community loves the fact that there are a variety of species being planted – this makes the parks unique and also teaches the community about the various tree species there are. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
“Trees add so much value to our society. In South Africa, it can get quite hot and trees are known to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas. They increase property value, attract wildlife, filter our air, and reduce soil erosion,” Redelinghuys said about the importance of planting trees.
For the rest of the month, the municipality and the Urban Forestry sector are going to procure fruit trees for the community, said Maindren Chettiar, superintendent of Urban Forestry which is a section under the municipality’s Environmental Department.
“We will mainly target the previously disadvantaged communities,” he stated.
According to Chettiar, people from these communities will be able to request to get a tree and plant it themselves.
“National Arbor Week is an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management,” stated the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in a statement. GRAPHIC: Wilné van Rooyen