Tshwane residents urged to replenish indigenous trees

Tshwane residents should plant at least one indigenous tree per year as they benefit both them and the environment, according to councillor Gert Visser.

- Marizka Coetzer

Denis Dreyer and Gert Visser plant a tree at Irene Country Club.

(Supplied)

Visser said the planting of 100 indigenous trees at the Irene Country Club recently was a significant milestone in replenishing Irene's indigenous trees.

"A total of 100 trees were planted during Arbour Month, generously provided by the City of Tshwane. This initiative continues Irene's rich horticultural heritage, dating back to October 1903, when the British Government established a tree nursery at Irene, which became one of the most important nurseries in the province," he said.

"The Irene Country Club was established in 1911. As the golf club expanded, the nurseryman's house at the old government forestry station was converted for club use in 1922 a space now known as Foresters."

Visser says Irene is a forest of indigenous trees and has few jacaranda trees.

"Jacarandas are considered an invasive species and prevented from being planted a decision influenced by General Jan Smuts, who lived in Irene and was deeply involved with the prolific scientific study of plants," he said.