Member farms of a local wine farm organisation have planted over 6 000 trees in the Stellenbosch region over the last year. This is according to Elmarie Rabe, the general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
This was a response initiative after many trees were uprooted in Stellenbosch last year by a storm. Immediately after the storm, “Stellenbosch Wine Routes committed to plant at least 1 000 trees”, said Rabe.
Although the initial plan was to plant 1 000 trees, the organisation has recorded the planting of more than 6 300 trees, said Rabe.
Many members of Stellenbosch Wine Routes contributed to this mission, said Rabe. However, among the largest contributors to trees planted were Villiera, which planted more than 2 000 trees, and De Zalze Golf Estate, including Kleine Zalze Wines, with 3 258 trees, she said.
Stellenbosch Wine Routes now plans to plant about 10 more trees along the Eerste River, said Rabe.
“These trees will be dedicated to luminaries of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, including the chairs, founding members, and a tree for Danie Steytler Snr who passed away in January,” said Rabe.
Steytler was a third-generation winemaker and previous owner of Kaapzicht Wine Estate. This initiative will honour winemaker legends such as him, said Rabe.
The Jan Marais private nature reserve is owned by the Stellenbosch Municipality. Trees have been planted by the municipality in and around the Stellenbosch area, including in its nature reserves and at Jan Marais. This is according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Hlomla Mdala
Municipal support
“The municipality welcomes and supports this commendable initiative being championed by the Stellenbosch Wine Routes,” said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality. “Tree planting is a shared priority.”
The municipality has planted an average of two trees per week over the past financial year, he said. This was either to replace felled or deceased oak trees, or as new planting.
“These trees have been planted in parks, public spaces, nature areas, and along roads, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and the beautification of our town,” said Grobbelaar.
Stellenbosch Municipality and other organisations, such as Stellenbosch Trail Fund and Trees South Africa, continue to contribute in making Stellenbosch green to preserve the environment. This is according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Hlomla Mdala
Focus on indigenous species
The municipality has also started introducing indigenous species, “such as White Karee, Waterberry, and White Stinkwood”, said Grobbelaar.
The selection of trees planted in the area must be carefully considered, according to Dr Brian du Preez, a botanist and a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Although a tree might be indigenous to South Africa, it doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs in Stellenbosch, said Du Preez.
“Before planting any tree which is not locally indigenous, consideration must be given to its potential to become an invasive species,” said Du Preez.
Oak trees have become synonymous with Stellenbosch, but Du Preez noted they are not native to the region.
“They have only been around for about 400 years,” he said.
Du Preez questioned why local species are not embraced by more people.
“Why do we not use unique and special local species to celebrate and symbolise Stellenbosch?” said Du Preez.
He pointed to the Wild Olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana) as one such species that is truly indigenous to the area.
In the wake of last year’s devastating storm that uprooted trees across the Stellenbosch region, local farms have responded with resilience and purpose. Over 6 300 trees have been planted in the past year. This is according to Elmarie Rabe, general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes. VIDEO: Hlomla Mdala