PLANTING OF SHADE TREES

Notice 2019 No 2

PLANTING OF SHADE TREES WITHIN THE PROPERTY BOUNDARIES:
SUMMERWOOD VILLAGE

Dear Member/s and Residents,

1. The aesthetic appearance of Summerwood at Pinehurst is greatly enhanced by its street trees which were planted by the developer, Garden Cities, in conjunction with the City’s Recreation and Parks Department. In addition large numbers of shade trees which have over the years been planted by the property owners also make their contribution to the greening of the village. It is said that the value of a well landscaped home with mature healthy trees can be as much as 10% higher than a similar home with no or little landscaping.
2. In the majority of cases one plants trees on one’s property to provide shade and to beautify the landscape. These overall reasons are most beneficial, but trees also provide other less obvious benefits, e.g. social benefits, communal benefits, environmental benefits and economic benefits. Tree selection confronts one with an array of choices to make, i.e. will the favoured species be indigenous or exotic; evergreen or deciduous; those with spectacular flowers; lovers of sun or shade; those that demand a starring role in the garden or those that take their place in the chorus? Which are the ones that appeal most, the ones you wish to live with – and your children and grandchildren too, for trees are the longest lived of all living things. Planting a shade tree is therefore tantamount to the erection of a monument.
3. It stands to reason that when planting a tree in order to reap the many benefits it provides and for it to serve as a monument to the memory of the person who planted it, it needs to remain in place for many years to come. A tree should not be planted with the view of it being removed before it has reached maturity and has commenced to provide its many benefits.
   3.1 The selection of the ideal tree for a particular site needs to be a very carefully planned process. Selecting trees to become mature, healthy, woody plants begins with finding a specimen suited for its site. Factors such as climate, soil-type, nature of root growth, light and residential conditions all influence a tree’s ability to grow and/or tolerate its environment. Selecting the right specimen for the right site and conditions is essential if one wants your tree purchase to pay off for years to come.
   3.2 Plant growth is largely influenced by its growing or site conditions. Matching a plant’s cultural requirements to the site conditions helps to ensure that it will grow successfully. In the Summerwood environment of smaller erven and fairly dense homestead development, it is important to consider the tree’s above-ground (size of crown and whether deciduous or evergreen) and below-ground (tap-root or shallow adventitious roots) characteristics. Do not
   forget that if your tree’s roots get into your neighbours’ drains, you may be liable for the cost of undoing the damage, and the same will be true if your too-big tree encroaches on his property.
4. Once you have come up with a list of suitable trees for your site, select high-quality plants in order that your investment is fruitful and you in the course of time are able to enjoy the beauty and longevity that carefully sited, selected and healthy plants bring. Purchasing a sickly tree in hopes of saving it often leads to disappointment.