Tree Planting in an Urbanizing South Africa / BOOMAANPLANTING IN VERSTEDELIKENDE SUID-AFRIKA

The title of this paper might well read “Tree planting in an urbanizing and industrializing South Africa”, because in modern South Africa industry is prominent in the urban scene. The importance of trees in the urban landscape is stressed. Purposes for which trees are used in commercial, industrial and residential areas are listed. An account is given of tree planting in boulevards and avenues, state and civic centres, car parks, bus termini, recreational parks, botanical gardens and arboreta, zoological gardens, sports enclosures and children's playgrounds. The role of trees in industrial areas is discussed and the vegetating of mine dumps described. Passing reference is made to the uses of trees on the sea front. Tree planting for economic purposes by civic authorities is briefly touched upon. The value of trees in private gardens is underlined.