The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 16 Autumn 2016 Low res | Page 18

Trees

The importance of trees
by Ann Beattie

The environment’s need for trees and their numerous benefits is indisputable. It is time to
reflect on why we need to protect and grow them in Zimbabwe.
The significant role trees play has a crucial impact on so
many aspects of our entire lives. To fully understand the
responsibility and duty at our doorstep regarding their
preservation, conservation and reproduction is crucial to
maintaining a healthy natural environment – even in our
gardens.

What do trees do for us?

In Zimbabwe, we have so many different species of trees to
honour and celebrate. The indigenous trees, in particular,
stand out as they take their places in legendary myths
and folklore in southern Africa. These trees are steeped in
Zimbabwe’s history, heritage and culture, and have played
an integral and pivotal part in the lives of all Zimbabweans.

Not only do trees provide vital sources of food, fuel and
material for tools, they garnish our streets, decorate our
parks and beautify our gardens. The aesthetic pleasure a
tree brings beginner or advanced gardeners is unsurpassed
when they flourish, blossom and bear fruit. Trees also
provide essential shade and cool spots, and they give us
landmarks and identity as well. How many times have you
said, ‘Let’s stop at the baobab’, or referred to the jacarandalined streets that define the city of Harare?

What do trees do for the environment?

Trees are crucial in the prevention of water pollution and soil
erosion; they also play an essential and vital part in water
conservation. During the rains, stormwater runoff is reduced

‘The planting of a tree, especially one of the long-living
hardwood trees, is a gift which you can make to posterity
at almost no cost and with almost no trouble, and if the
tree takes root it will far outlive the visible effect of any of
your other actions, good or evil’.
George Orwell
18