The event also aimed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship while highlighting the importance of maintaining and growing green spaces in the community. 

This year’s national Arbor Month theme, ‘Promoting Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management,’ aligns with the City’s commitment to raising awareness of the importance of trees and addressing the critical threat posed by the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle to the urban forest canopy.

Somerset West was the first area in Cape Town to be affected by PSHB, with the beetle first detected here in 2019. 

Radloff Park, with its many reproductive host trees such as English oaks and Poplars, has been significantly impacted, making it a focal point for this year’s Arbor Month activities. 

The infestation has resulted in the loss of many trees, and the landscape continues to change as the City works to combat the spread of this invasive species.

As part of the City's commitment to urban greening, the department planted PSHB resistant trees in the park to replace those lost.

‘These efforts are a critical part of the City’s strategy to preserve and enhance the urban forest, ensuring long-term benefits such as carbon absorption, air purification, biodiversity protection and climate regulation.

‘While the PSHB poses a significant threat to our city’s trees, it is through events like this and ongoing efforts, we remain dedicated to addressing these challenges. By replacing the trees lost and continuing our greening efforts, we not only safeguard our urban canopy but also promote environmental awareness and community involvement,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Recreation and Parks, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Helderberg Nature Reserve and the Invasive Species Unit from the City’s Environmental Management Department, were present at the event to engage with school learners who had been invited from the local community. They provided educational insights into the PSHB beetle, its impact on Cape Town’s trees and the importance of urban forest conservation.

Radloff Park, popular among residents for its active and passive recreational opportunities, showcases the resilience of Cape Town’s green spaces, even as they adapt to the challenges posed by invasive species. The park also benefits from an active and dedicated Friends group, which plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the area. This Arbor Month event nderscores the importance of community collaboration, including the efforts of Friends groups, in preserving these valuable spaces.

Since April 2024, coinciding with the City's tree planting season, 1 588 trees have been distributed from Newlands Nursery. 

Trees vary in size from 20 litres to 500 litres. Trees have also been planted in the Strand and Somerset West areas as part of the City’s efforts to restore and enhance the green environment. 

Many of these trees are large specimens, bigger than 250 litres in bag size, providing an immediate and significant impact on the landscape. This is a considerable increase compared to previous years, demonstrating the City’s continued commitment to tree replacement and environmental sustainability.

Community members across the City are encouraged to celebrate Arbor Month by contacting their local ward councillor about tree-planting initiatives in their parks and public open spaces. They are also encouraged to join or establish Friends groups to help care for trees, as these play a vital role in our environment.

The schools that attended the event were Somerset West Methodist Primary, Solomon Qatyana Primary, Beaumont Primary, Danie Ackermann Primary, Lwandle High School, Mondeor Primary, the Eco Rangers Environmental Club, Rusthof Primary, Tereo Primary and Nomzamo Primary.

Caption 1: Learners, visitors and role players joined in the tree planting.

Caption 2: Getting down to planting the trees are from left: Professor Francois Roets, Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University; Norman McFarlane, Ward Councillor (Ward 84); Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health; Chantal Cerfontein (subcouncil chairperson); Councillor Ronel Viljoen (Community Services and Health, Portfolio Committee Chairperson; and Maarten Schurer, chairperson of the Friends of Radloff Park.