Kildare Circle springs back to life with tree replanting drive
26 May 2025
A sense of renewal has taken root in Newlands, where the replanting of trees is bringing life back to the iconic Kildare Circle. Led by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with other City directorates, the project marks a major step in restoring the area’s urban canopy.
Ward Councillor, Mikhail Manuel raised the need for replacement trees, following the removal of six Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)-infected trees by the Invasive Species Unit in May 2024.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Parks and Recreation, Roads and Infrastructure and the Energy Department, the project came to fruition in May 2025. Recreation and Parks led stump removal and ground preparation, while the Roads and Infrastructure Management team assisted by removing and re-instating tar around the tree pits.
The City’s Newlands Nursery supplies suitable trees, with environmental guidance provided by the Environmental Management Department.
‘The combined efforts of three different directorates are a testament to our commitment to managing the spread of PSHB infestations in Cape Town. It is important that we plant new trees to replace those lost to PSHB beetles. Furthermore, I want to encourage all residents to familiarise themselves with the list of trees which are reproductive hosts of the PSHB. If you suspect an infected tree, please contact our invasive species unit so we can act to mitigate the spread of the beetle,’ said Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
‘This is the first replacement tree planting of trees infected by the PSHB beetle in the Southern suburbs. Trees are a significant feature of our area’s character, so we must do everything possible to continuously plant new trees every year. We are grateful for the offers of assistance from our community partners, most notably Newlands CID and TreeKeepers,’ said Councillor Mikhail Manuel, Ward 59.
A total of five Quercus nigra trees (Water Oaks) were planted in Kildare Circle parking area, which are non-reproductive hosts for PSHB.
‘The Recreation and Parks Department is proud to have led this meaningful initiative. Every year, we plant thousands of trees across Cape Town as part of our commitment to greening the City and improving urban biodiversity. To date, a total of 2 090 trees (ranging from 20L to 500L in size) have been issued by the Newlands nursery for the 2024/25 financial year, starting from 1 July 2024 to 26 May 2025. Tree planting is not only important for environmental sustainability, but it also contributes to the well-being of our communities,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
To promote long-term success, each tree was planted with compost and fertiliser, with stakes applied as necessary. Concrete or brick edging was added with ample space for each tree to protect and define the planting areas, ensuring durability and safety within the tarred parking bays.
With the successful completion of this initiative, the City hopes to use Kildare Circle as a model for future tree restoration efforts in areas throughout the city.
The City reminds the public that the eradication of the PSHB is a shared responsibility. To learn more about the beetle, and how to report sightings, click here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer
The public is also encouraged to support the City’s ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative’, which aims to enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience and promote greener urban spaces.
This initiative is intended for friends groups and community organisations, but residents can submit applications to their local ward councillor for general tree planting.
Further information can be obtained here: https://bit.ly/4k7TV1i
Caption 1: (L – R) Alderman Eddie Andrews; Richard Curnick, Newlands CID; Cllr. Francine Higham; Cllr. Mikhail Manuel and Clare Burgess from TreeKeepers Cape Town
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
