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