Tree Planting & Care
Comprehensive arboriculture and silviculture resources for sustainable tree planting and care. Guides cover indigenous and fruit tree selection, soil preparation, structural pruning and climate-resilient techniques. Maximise ecosystem services and tree survival rates with expert technical standards for residential and commercial landscape management.
Food and Trees for Africa provides a comprehensive resources page on tree planting and care. Learn expert techniques for selecting indigenous species, preparing soil and proper pruning.
How to Care for New Trees: The Ultimate Establishment Guide
- Newly planted trees require a multi-year establishment period with consistent supervision to successfully regenerate their root systems.
- A strict watering schedule that prioritises frequency over volume is the most critical factor for tree survival in the first three growing seasons.
- Applying a 50 to 100-millimetre layer of organic mulch suppresses weeds and retains moisture, provided it is kept clear of the bark to prevent rot.
Watering New Trees During a Drought
This guide explains how deep, infrequent watering protects new trees from hydraulic failure during droughts. Focusing on deep soil saturation instead of surface moisture increases tree survival by 60%. It provides actionable steps for using a "low and slow" bucket method, mulching effectively, and tailoring watering frequencies to different soil types.
How Do I Plant a Tree in South African Soil?
Successful tree planting in South Africa requires proper hole preparation, correct root alignment, and strategic moisture management. By understanding local soil conditions-from Western Cape sand to Highveld clay-and creating proper watering basins, anyone can ensure rapid sapling establishment and long-term ecological benefits.