The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 16 Autumn 2016 Low res | Page 19
Trees
as the tree captures and stores water in its canopy; as a
result, pollutants from paved surfaces do not reach local and
common waters. The rainwater also flows down the trunk
of the tree and into the ground, naturally replenishing the
groundwater supplies. When planted on slopes and hillsides,
trees retain the composition of the soil and slow down the
water runoff and therefore reduce erosion.
Shade cover from the tree reduces water evaporation rates
from the ground underneath, so if your garden is dry and hot,
grow more trees. While water conservation can benefit from
trees, it is important to know that certain trees, like the gum
trees and the indigenous Natal mahogany, should not be
planted in wetlands as they will dry it. There are many trees
that are water thirsty; make sure you find out from your local
nursery which of your trees fall into this category.
What do trees do for the wildlife?
Our trees provide a sanctuary and an ecosystem for birds
and other wildlife throughout the year, and attract them to
our gardens, too. The branches and trunks offer safe havens
for birds’ nests and beehives; the fruit, berries and leaves
of many trees offer foo