Enduring and venerable trees

There cannot ever be a good reason not to plant a tree, and somewhere there is just the right tree for you...

- Anna Celliers

The distinctive rings in the trunk of a mature tree record the thriving or struggling years of growth. If we could understand more ‘tree speak’, imagine what stories the ancient boababs, windblown white milkwoods, stately yellowwoods in the Knysna forests, large oaks in the Boland, fragrant camphor trees at Vergelegen, and the heritage old olive trees on a Greek island could tell us!

I have had the privilege of planting many trees over the years as part of my job - some with a mere spade and others with the help of a digger loader and a crane. My reward now is gazing at their aged goodness and benevolence when driving past them or standing in their shade. They are growing into legacy trees that will last beyond my lifetime. Everybody deserves to plant and enjoy a tree.

However, one should look beyond the emotional and consider some important functional factors when choosing a tree, since we expect much more from it than from any other plant.

Your tick-off list

If you create a dream board of words or symbols about the type of trees you wish to plant that can grow into a value or legacy tree rather than a burden, your selection will be much easier. Take time to think about what you expect from a tree and to consider the planting spot.

Folks who don't have gardens are not excluded, as many trees are suitable for pots. Examples are the architectural tree aloe (Aloidendron barberae), Outeniqua yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus), or the very popular Magnolia ‘Little Gem’, which will give you beautiful blooms, all of which will be long-lived pot specimens.