Trees are very important to mankind on earth, as they purify the air. They supply us with many needs, such as fuel, building materials, pulp for paper and they also give us shade, shelter and beauty. Depending on the variety of the tree, they can also supply us with fruit and nuts.

In the presence of light, by the process of photosynthesis, dangerous to ones health, carbon dioxide is being removed and oxygen is being released by the leaves. Trees must be planted on a large scale, so that the ever growing population have enough air to breathe, yet, people will continue to fell our precious trees.

When one plants a tree, you must consider height and width and root spread, which could damage structures, as well as factors such as evergreen, or deciduous and summer shade, or winter sun.

When preparing a hole, it should be square and not round. Dig the hole 90×90cm (3ft x 3ft) and 90cm (3ft) deep. If round, the roots will continue to grow round and round, eventually smothering the plant, whereas if square, the roots will spread into the surrounding soil, which is hard. With a square hole, the roots are far more likely to penetrate the corners, growing into new ground.

Always separate topsoil from subsoil. Break up clumps of compacted soil and remove large stones, or shale. The compost, or manure is normally placed between the subsoil and top soil, at about 45cm (18 inches) down.

If the topsoil is not of a good quality, replace with good soil and compost, which must be mixed together.

It is better to let the soil settle for a few days, with a good watering, before planting the tree. The roots must not come into contact with the compost, or manure.

One should always plant the tree at the same height to soil level, that it was grown in the plastic packet, at the nursery. If, for any reason, the tree has come out of the ground and not from the nursery, in a container, or plastic bag, the roots might have become slightly damaged, so just clip off, with secateurs.

When planting the tree, spread the roots level, slightly out, or down, from the stem. Place 2, or 3 spades full of soil, onto the roots,  then shake the stem, so that the soil can filtrate through the roots. Keep on pressing the soil down firmly, as you fill in, untill ground level, making sure the stem is upright at all times. Make a “basin” of soil, around the tree, where the water can collect, instead of draining elsewhere. If a large tree, it might need as much as about 40 litres (10 gallons) of water.

Place a layer of mulch around the tree and water weekly, during the dormant season. If the tree appears top heavy, trim slightly. It might even require being tied to a stake in the ground, for support.

The bark of the stem should be protected from the tie, or rope by wrapping Hessian, or canvas around it. This should be checked regularly, to see that no chafing occurs to the bark, on the stem.

Trees that are grown in containers, can be planted out, into the ground, at any time of the year. Do not transplant trees out, that are too big, or pot bound, as these might not survive. Matted roots must be untangled and spread out, when planting.

In South Africa, we have such a large variety of indigenous trees, which are so useful and full of beauty.

Some examples of these are:
 
1. Marula and “Stam Vrugte” which produce fruit, or berries.

2. Mopane (in warmer areas) are used for cattle grazing and also host a nutritious caterpillar, which is high protein food.

3. Acacia family, being leguminous, they enrich the soil. The foliage and pods of the Soetdoring (Acacia Karoo) and Haak en Steek (Acacia Tortilis) make excellent feed for livestock.

4. Wild Olive (Olea Africana) is evergreen, drought resistant and serves as a wind break.

5. Witstinkhout (Celtis Africana) are slow-growing, but hardy and beautiful when established.

Preserve our local trees from being used as fire wood!

Two trees that are grown from seed and used for food and fodder.

1) Honey Locust (Gleditschia Triacanthos). It is a leguminous, deciduous, shady tree, producing large amounts of long brown pods, in the autumn. These are highly recommended for feeding goats and cattle and can be ground into meal, for human consumption  This tree is ideal for South African conditions, as it is hardy and frost and drought resistant.

2) Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua). This must be protected from the frost, in the early    years . It has a shiny, evergreen foliage, and bears lots of sweet, fleshy beans, which are good for animals, when green, or can be milled when dry. The sweet powdered bean, or pod is used as a chocolate substitute. The seeds are easily germinated, by pouring boiling water over them and then allowing them to cool, before planting. It is also a tree well worth growing in South Africa, being very drought resistant.

Trees are all very well, if you have a large garden, but what if you live in a flat with little or no space for trees? Grow miniature trees, indoors! Get the e-book “Bonsai Gardening Secrets.” Discover insider secrets, to creating stunning Bonsai trees, with this e-book. All you need to know about Bonsais. Find out more here http://dersalsites.com/bonsgs/
              
Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/

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