From the days of yore, when everyone planted all sorts of exotic trees - sometimes with weedy results! - South African gardeners have become far more educated and discerning about indigenous plants as a whole. Now, one can find indigenous trees for sale as a staple feature of the nursery trade, unlike in times past. The benefits and pride inherent in planting local have also become abundantly clear.
South African gardeners are, thankfully, spoiled for choice when it comes to indigenous plants. The country is far from impoverished on that front, and South African plants overall have contributed mightily to world horticulture for hundreds of years. Indigenous trees are no exception. When chosen correctly, they’re hardy, perform admirably for their chosen purpose, and come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, attributes, and maintenance requirements.
Virtually Every Kind of Indigenous Tree
Because South Africa is so expansive and geographically diverse, the list of indigenous trees is a long one. There are trees for pools, trees for driveways, trees for shade, trees for kids, and trees for almost any effect you’d care to mention. Talking to a professional grower means that you’ll get the correct information you need to make informed choices about which trees to plant.
Smaller, evergreen trees without invasive root systems do well close to the pool, while larger Acacia spp. (Thorn Trees) are fabulous for dappled shade in the driveway, by way of two common examples. A reputable, professional grower knows the tree inside and out - exactly how it grows, exactly what its roots will be like, and exactly what shape and ultimate size you can expect. More than that, a nursery offering indigenous trees for sale is also guaranteed to be able to help you pick the right size tree to plant, based on your immediate and long-term desires.
Think global, act local
When chosen correctly, the vast majority of indigenous trees for sale in Johannesburg are indeed hardy and relatively maintenance-free, at least once established. All Thorn Trees, for example, have tap roots that travel quickly down to find water, meaning maintenance can be abandoned after a year or two, save occasional pruning as desired. Ditto the Vaderlandswilg (Combretum erythrophyllum) and Witpeer (Dombeya rotundifolia) - two lovely trees with wide application.
Trees are the kind of thing you want to plant once and get it right the first time around. No one wants to be constantly pruning something that keeps outgrowing its confines, nor looking at something that is struggling in local conditions because it was poorly chosen.
Making the Right Choice of Indigenous Trees
Trees that keep their leaves in winter (evergreen) or trees that allow for winter sun (deciduous) need to be chosen with their effects in mind. Beautifully ornate trees like the Lavender Tree (Heteropyxis natalensis) with lavender-scented foliage, or the Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea) with its stunning lime-green bark are freely available to South African gardeners.
Speak to the professionals at Windy Willows about your tree needs – come in and browse the indigenous trees on offer. We’ll help you make a good, informed decision to glean the wonderful effect indigenous trees always have on outdoor spaces.