Master plan for tree planting in the making

The George spatial development framework (GSDF) and integrated development plan (IDP) both emphasise the importance of greening the city, and the George Municipality (GM) has adopted a formal tree management policy in 2022 to guide it in expressing the vision of these documents.

- Alida de Beer

However, no formal tree planting goals have been set to date, according to communications manager Chantèl Edwards. "The Parks and Recreation section is currently working on a master plan for tree planting across the city."

There are, however, considerable challenges to establishing a healthy urban tree population, but these will be addressed in the upcoming master plan, Edwards said. "The municipality did plant about 100 trees in areas such as Knysna Road and Meade Street in 2022 and 2023, but most of them did not survive due to challenges such as water scarcity, vandalism, the theft of tree stakes and trampling, either by foot traffic or maintenance equipment. No new trees have been planted since."