Planting more trees for cleaner air.

Media Statement

Monday, 9 September 2024

For Immediate Release

Planting more trees for cleaner air.

As the world observed International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, on Saturday, 7 September 2024, under the theme Invest in CleanAirNow, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is at the forefront in providing clean air to the citizens of Joburg through its tree planting initiatives across the city.

The United Nations Environment Programme emphasised the need for urgent intervention through partnerships with governments, the private sector, and ordinary citizens of the world. Air pollution is considered the second leading health risk factor and is responsible for illnesses such as heart attacks, lung cancer, and other respiratory complications and infections.

The need for collaborative interest and investment and shared responsibility globally, will have far-reaching success stories for ensuring the air we breathe is clean.

Trees are incredible purifiers of the atmosphere. They absorb poisonous gases like carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, amongst others, and make a city like Joburg a green haven for its residents. Planting more trees, not only during Arbor month, is the responsibility of all. Arbor Month reminds us that the simple act of planting a tree can have long-term benefits for years to come.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo as the custodians of greening in the City of Joburg have boots on the ground, planting trees in the various regions during September and distributing fruit trees to communities.

If you have not planted a tree during Arbor month, here is how you can start planting your tree today: -

Plant only indigenous trees!

First prepare a hole - measure and dig a hole the size of a spade plate down (height) and the same size should be measured for the width of the hole.
Fill the hole with water until it is muddy and wet.
Remove the tree from the plastic bag or container.
Gently tease the roots to avoid damage or breakage.
Do not pull the tree by the trunk.
Place the tree in the hole.
Fill the hole with soil.
Insert the stake and press the soil firmly.

Make a basin with the soil to capture the water to prevent it from running off.

Now water your tree and watch it grow.

You can make your mulch by using the leaves from your garden, compost from vegetable peels or grass cuttings mixed with compost from a nursery, and using grey water from baths, for watering your garden.

Lastly, spray only environmentally friendly pesticides to control pests. Although Joburg is deemed the biggest human-made forest in the world with an estimate of over 3.2 million trees, JCPZ is dealing with the ongoing illegal felling of these precious trees. Residents are urged to refrain from removing healthy street trees or face hefty fines as street trees are the property of the City of Joburg.

Dead or infected trees should be reported to City Parks and Zoo on 011 712 6600/6617 or by using our social media platform.

Together, we can plant a forest, one tree at a time. Be part of the change for a greener, healthier city.

Follow our social media platforms for more information or visit our website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com for tree-planting activities in your region.

Ends

Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo

Media inquiries can be directed to: Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations 079 994 6345 WhatsApp only 084 885 9981; E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com, www.jhbcityparks.com.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg and is responsible for managing, maintaining, and preserving parks, open spaces, cemeteries, nature reserves, street trees, and the Johannesburg Zoo. Through their work, JCPZ strives to enhance the quality of life and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for the well-being of all residents.