Hot and scorching summer days are upon us. Planting a tree is a good idea to provide extra shade and serve as a cooling effect.
The City of Ekurhuleni will this year join hands with the rest of the nation to mark arbor month celebrations during the month of September, by encouraging members of the public to plant a tree and save the environment.
There are many environmental benefits of planting a tree, such as contributing to the fight against climate change, they reduce soil erosion, providing shade, increase soil fertility and help absorb moisture.
Annually, two trees are usually highlighted to be celebrated, one being common, the other being a rare species.
This year’s common tree of the year is the Searsia Lancea, a shade tree good for gardens and street pavements. It produces sweet-scented flowers and attracts insects like bees.
Euphorbia Sekukuniensis, is one of the trees celebrated this year. Sekhukhune naboom, as it is affectionately known in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo regions, flourishes in the hot climate, prefers rocky areas and produces flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other insects.
The city being an industrial hub, with increased levels of carbon emission, it is important to encourage the planting of trees to release oxygen for the conservation of the environment.