Chumasande MatiwanePlanting trees is a wonderful way to enhance the biodiversity of your garden. Trees provide your garden with shade, which is great if you use your garden for entertainment. They can also be useful for certain plants that don’t require direct sunlight. Here are some of the best shade trees for your garden.
Wild Olive Tree
The wild olive has become one of the most popular trees in South African parks and gardens. Scientifically known as the Olea Europaea Africana tree, native throughout Southern Africa, and is a very hardy and frost-tolerant tree.
This makes it a great addition to your garden as it can withstand the hot summer months while also providing good needed shade in your garden. The wild olive can become large and broad as it matures over the years, so it is best to plant it in a spacious garden.
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Celtis Africana White Stinkwood Tree
This is one of our favourite large indigenous trees and is mostly common in the highvelds of South Africa. The stinkwood tree can reach an impressive size, it is recommended you plant it a few meters away from your house walls, as the root system can be large over time. For large garden owners, this is a superb shade tree. The Stinkwood tree fruits are wildlife inviting with a variety of birds and squirrels.
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Lavender Tree
Also know as the Heteropyxis natalensis. The Lavender tree is truly a beautiful garden tree even when not in bloom. This makes it a great choice for small gardens as it can be a centrepiece in its own right. It grows more slowly than the other trees but it is worth the wait.
White Pear Tree
The White pear tree grows at a medium pace and is an evergreen plant with dense leaves. It is perfect for small gardens as its roots don’t pose a threat to your building foundations or pavings.
White pear tree thrives in well-drained, compost-rich soil however young plants are relatively slow growing, but they will grow fairly fast as they grow bigger.
Cape Holly Tree
Known as the Ilex Mitis, is a magnificent, compact tree with an ornamental shape that acts as a focal point in your garden. The Cape holly is a medium-paced grower and makes an excellent garden subject.
It develops edible red berries and thus is very popular with birds during the fruiting season. The Cape Holly is also an evergreen tree, staying healthy for the majority of the year.
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Trees play a vital role in reducing your carbon footprint, so it is always a great choice to have a few in your garden. By planting more trees in your garden, you can help contribute to the environment.
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