As the first signs of spring begin to stir across Johannesburg, the arrival of Arbor Month in September heralds a season of regeneration and environmental stewardship. The city’s landscape, once muted by winter, now begins to burst with the familiar hues of green—a symbolic reminder of new beginnings. In this spirit, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is encouraging residents to embrace the season by participating in citywide tree-planting initiatives.
Arbor Month is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a strategic, action-driven campaign focused on restoring Johannesburg’s natural environment. This year, from 1 to 30 September 2025, JCPZ is calling on all corners of the city—schools, corporate entities, faith-based organisations, and civic groups—to rally behind the shared responsibility of planting indigenous and fruit trees across the seven municipal regions. The campaign aims not only to green urban spaces but to foster long-term ecological resilience.
In a city challenged by rising pollution, vehicle emissions, and the illegal incineration of toxic materials, trees play a vital role as environmental purifiers. Indigenous tree species, in particular, are champions of carbon sequestration and biodiversity support, enhancing the liveability of urban centres and contributing to climate stability. Their roots stabilise the soil, their branches provide sanctuary for birds and insects, and their canopies offer shade and oxygen to those who walk beneath them. In Johannesburg, they also help preserve the identity of a city often described as the world’s largest urban forest.
JCPZ’s planting schedule for Arbor Month is extensive. In Region A, the campaign will see 3,000 trees planted along Winnie Mandela Drive in Fourways on 11 September. These will include a mix of indigenous species such as Syzygium paniculatum, Ceratonia siliqua, Harpephyllum caffrum, Searsia pendulina, and Combretum erythrophyllum.
Region B’s activities span several sites and dates. At Zoo Lake, ornamental trees will be planted in collaboration with Jan Cilliers School to mark its centenary. Sturdee Park and Events Park in Rosebank will also host tree-planting events on 17 September, while Delta Park in Victory Park will mark a significant symbolic occasion—the replacement of 50 trees in honour of Nelson Mandela’s centenary. Other locations in Blairgowrie and surrounding schools will contribute a further 43 indigenous trees to the effort.
In Region C, the focus shifts to community enrichment. On 10 September, Harry Gwala Primary School in Tshepisong, Roodepoort, will be the site of 20 tree plantings, with 1,935 fruit trees also distributed to households in the surrounding areas.
Region D’s efforts commence on the first of the month. Ubuntu Kraal in Dube and Inkovu Street in Meadowlands will host the planting of 1,150 trees, comprising species such as Olea europaea, Heteropyxis natalensis, Harpephyllum caffrum, and Sideroxylon inerme. Additionally, 150 peach and lemon trees will be distributed to local communities.
The tree-planting campaign also extends into high-profile urban spaces. In Region E, on 11 September, Mushroom Farm Park and Innesfree Park in Sandton will host events involving delegates from the U20 Conference, where 20 trees will be planted to symbolise collective commitment to combatting climate change and land degradation. A further 100 trees will be added to these green corridors.
In Region F, activities begin on 5 September along East Street in The Hill, followed by tree plantings in La Rochelle and Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. These events are supported by the G20 Conference in collaboration with the city’s Department of Tourism, further strengthening the alignment between local and global environmental agendas.
Region G will host the main Arbor Month event on 23 September at Jungle Park in Eldorado, where 1,000 ornamental trees will be planted and 600 fruit trees distributed to the community. Earlier in the month, Joburg Zoo will welcome the planting of 600 ornamental trees and the donation and distribution of 200 fruit trees, made possible through the support of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
Despite Johannesburg’s reputation as a sprawling man-made forest—boasting over 3.2 million trees—there remains an urgent need to address the illegal felling of mature specimens and the gradual ageing of the urban canopy. Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, reinforced this point, stating: “Although Joburg is deemed the biggest human-made forest in the world, we are dealing with the ongoing illegal felling of these precious trees amidst an already ageing tree canopy. We’re calling on everyone to be part of a tree revolution.”
Residents are reminded that tree-related emergencies—including fallen trees obstructing roads, driveways, or damaging property—should be reported to the City of Johannesburg Call Centre at 011 375 5555 or 0860 56 2874, or via email joburgconnect@joburg.org.za
As the city steps into spring, Arbor Month presents more than a seasonal observance. It is a vital invitation to take action—to plant purposefully, to protect our natural heritage, and to preserve Johannesburg’s green legacy for generations to come.
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