The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has launched a new initiative called ‘Adopt a Tree’ whereby local communities can get involved in expanding green spaces in the city. This programme encourages residents and community groups, including Friends of Parks, to plant and care for trees, actively contributing to Cape Town’s development as an urban forest. Read more below:
The ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative aims to mobilise community organisations and residents to plant at least 500 trees across the city during the planting season that starts with our first winter rains, usually from April.
The Recreation and Parks Department Newlands Nursery will guide the selection of appropriate species for various sites, considering factors like space availability, environmental impact and maintenance requirements. The City is encouraging the planting of the national tree of the year for 2025, namely Milkwood Trees (Sideroxylon inerme)—a resilient, indigenous species. Where conditions allow, tree selection will always be based on the suitability of the species to the specific planting site.
To create lasting visual impact, the nursery grows trees in bag sizes of up to 1000 litres that require mechanised loading and transport. For the ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative, trees will be available in bag sizes of up to 100 litres, ensuring easier handling and planting for communities. Trees are one of the greatest and most important natural resources in green open spaces and their benefits extend beyond their beauty.
However, the City’s urban forest, like others around the world, faces several challenges in its establishment, maintenance and survival. Pressure from development often leads to the loss of the urban forest canopy. Other challenges include water availability and the presence of pests and diseases like Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle.
The ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative plays a vital role in expanding the urban forest canopy and creating a healthier environment that offers more sustainable, greener spaces for all communities.
‘I encourage residents to champion this initiative as part of the City’s commitment to expand its urban forest. This journey requires collaboration between the City and its residents. Adopting and nurturing trees can strengthen our tree canopy, improve our environment, beautify and cool our public spaces.
‘It also empowers communities to take ownership of their green spaces and contribute to a more sustainable future. Trees are vital to creating a healthier, more liveable city and I encourage residents to get involved in this green movement,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative aligns with the City’s broader vision to enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience and promote greener urban spaces.
This initiative is intended for friends groups and community organisations, but residents can submit applications to their local ward councillor for general tree planting.
