Arbor Month is the perfect time to celebrate one of the most valuable additions to any garden - a tree!

Trees provide shade, privacy, shelter from the wind, food for birds and pollinators, cleaner air, and lasting beauty that only improves with time.

But planting a tree isn't simply about choosing one you like. The tree you plant today could still be growing 30, 50 or even 100 years from now. Choosing the right tree for the available space is one of the most important gardening decisions you'll ever make.

Whether you have a compact townhouse garden, a spacious country property, or anything in between, this guide will help you plant wisely, care for your trees correctly and enjoy healthy growth for years to come.

Start With the Right Question

Many people ask: "Which tree should I plant?"

The better question is: "Which tree should I plant for this particular space?"

Before buying a tree, consider:

• How large will it become?

• How wide will the canopy spread?

• How aggressive are the roots?

• Is it close to paving, retaining walls, swimming pools or buildings?

• Will it eventually block views or sunlight?

• Will you be willing to prune it every year?

Thinking ahead can prevent problems later.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a tree based solely on how it looks in the nursery.

Remember:

• A tree grows both above and below the ground.

• As the canopy expands, so does the root system.

• The larger the canopy becomes, the larger the supporting root system generally becomes.

Big Trees Need Big Spaces

Many beautiful trees eventually become far larger than people expect - if left to grow to its maximum size. 

If left unpruned, some trees develop broad canopies and extensive root systems that naturally spread well beyond the trunk in search of water and nutrients.

Large trees (left unpruned) should not be planted close to:

• houses

• boundary walls

• swimming pools

• paved driveways

• patios

• septic systems

• water pipes

• foundations

This doesn't mean these trees should never be planted - it simply means they need sufficient space OR they need to be pruned to a smaller size to restrict canopy and root growth (more info about this underneath).

Examples of larger-growing trees include:

• Wild fig (Ficus sp.)

• Yellowwood species (Podocarpus)

• English Oak (Quercus robur)

• Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

• White Stinkwood (Celtis africana)

• Fever Tree (Vachellia xanthophloea)

• London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia)

These make magnificent shade trees for medium to large gardens – if left to grow to its maximum size; or even for smaller outdoor spaces – if you’re willing to keep your hand on the size of these trees.

A Small Garden Doesn't Mean You Can't Plant a Tree

One of the biggest misconceptions is that small gardens cannot have trees.

In reality, there are many excellent choices that naturally stay compact with very little maintenance.

Some excellent trees for smaller Cape Town gardens include:

• Wild Peach (Kiggelaria africana)

• Dwarf Olive cultivars

• Camellias - trained as small trees

• Japanese Maples (for sheltered gardens)

• Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

• Lemon, Orange & other Citrus trees

• Tree Aloe (Aloidendron barberae) - where space allows vertically

• Sand olive (Dodonaea) - trained as small tree

• Coast silver oak (Brachylaena discolor) - trained as small tree

• Sweet viburnum (Viburnum sinensis) - trained as small tree

These generally suit:

• Courtyards

• Townhouse gardens

• Small suburban gardens

• Pool areas (with sensible spacing)

• Near patios

They provide seasonal colour, flowers, fruit or evergreen structure without eventually dominating the garden.

Can Any Tree Be Grown in a Small Garden?

Surprisingly, yes - provided you are willing to prune it correctly.

Many homeowners think pruning only controls the branches they can see.

In reality, the canopy and root system work together.

When the canopy is regularly reduced, the tree requires a smaller root system to support it. While roots can extend beyond the canopy, consistent canopy management can significantly reduce the tree's overall vigour and help limit excessive root expansion compared with an unpruned tree.

This technique allows gardeners to successfully grow larger tree species in relatively modest spaces.

However, it requires ongoing maintenance - usually every year or two depending on the species.

If you prefer a lower-maintenance garden, choosing a naturally smaller tree is usually the better option.

Important: Large pruning cuts on mature trees can create stress, decay and instability. It's always better to start shaping a tree while it's young.

Plant at the Correct Depth

One of the most common causes of declining trees begins on planting day.

Trees should never be planted too deeply.

Never bury any part of the main stem beneath the soil.

Planting too deeply can lead to:

• stem rot

• poor oxygen around the roots

• slower growth

• fungal diseases

• shortened lifespan

• instability

A simple rule:

Plant the tree at exactly the same soil level it was growing in the nursery bag or container.

Give Trees Room to Breathe

Avoid piling soil, compost or mulch directly against the trunk.

Instead:

• leave a small gap around the main stem

• spread mulch 5–10 cm deep over the surrounding soil

• keep mulch approximately 10–15 cm away from the trunk

This helps retain moisture while preventing rot.

Water Deeply, Not Frequently

Newly planted trees benefit from deep watering rather than daily light watering.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards where moisture remains available during Cape Town's dry summers.

Never water a tree if the soil in which it’s planted is still moist.

Water newly planted trees as soon as the soil has dried up. Watering of established trees can be extended (depending on the type of tree and its water needs).

Stake Only When Necessary

Not every tree needs staking.

A tree that can move slightly in the wind develops a stronger trunk and better root anchorage.

If staking is necessary (especially in windy, coastal areas):

• use two stakes rather than one

• tie loosely with flexible tree ties (women's stockings can work well!)

• remove supports after approximately 1 - 2 years

Fertilising Trees

Trees don't always need heavy feeding.

When planting:

• improve poor soils with compost

• use slow-release fertiliser where appropriate (ask us about Atlantic Fertiliser’s range)

• add phosphorus to the planting hole - to encourage root development (eg. bone meal)

• avoid excessive nitrogen initially, which encourages weak, soft growth

Healthy soil usually produces healthier trees.

Think About the Sun

Before planting, observe your garden throughout the day.

Ask yourself:

• Will this tree eventually shade my vegetable garden?

• Will it block (wanted) winter sunlight entering my home?

• Will it reduce solar panel efficiency?

• Will neighbouring plants still receive enough light?

Planning now avoids future disappointment.

Don't Forget About Wildlife

Trees do far more than provide shade.

Many indigenous species attract:

• sunbirds

• sugarbirds

• weavers

• owls

• bees

• butterflies

• beneficial insects

Planting indigenous trees helps support local biodiversity while requiring less intervention once established.

Consider the Wind

Cape Town's famous south-easter can place young trees under considerable stress.

When planting:

• choose sheltered positions where possible

• stake if necessary

• water well (and more regularly) during hot, windy periods

• consider wind-tolerant species for exposed gardens

Should You Plant Indigenous or Exotic Trees?

Both have a place in Cape Town gardens.

Indigenous trees generally:

• support local wildlife

• cope well with local conditions

• require less water once established

Exotic trees may offer:

• spectacular autumn colour

• ornamental flowers

• edible fruit

• formal garden structure

The best choice depends on your garden's style, available space and growing conditions.

Protect Trees From Lawn Equipment

One of the most overlooked causes of tree decline is repeated damage from lawnmowers and brush cutters.

Even small wounds around the trunk can allow pests and diseases to enter.

Creating a mulched ring around the base of the tree protects the trunk while reducing weed growth.

Trees and Swimming Pools

Trees and pools can coexist beautifully - but choose wisely.

Avoid planting large, vigorous trees too close to pools, especially those that:

• produce heavy leaf fall

• have invasive or wide-spreading roots if left unmanaged

• create dense shade over the water

Smaller ornamental trees or regularly pruned specimens are usually better choices nearby.

Protected Trees in South Africa

Many indigenous tree species are protected under the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998).

Protected trees may not be cut down, damaged, uprooted, pruned, removed or traded without the required licence or exemption from the relevant authorities, even if they grow on private property.

Examples of protected tree species include:

• Real Yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)

• Outeniqua Yellowwood (Podocarpus / Afrocarpus falcatus)

• Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme)

Before undertaking significant pruning or removing a protected tree, always confirm the current legal requirements and obtain any necessary approvals. Municipal by-laws or heritage protections may also apply in certain areas.

Plant for Future Generations

A tree is one of the few things we plant knowing someone else may enjoy it long after us.

A carefully chosen tree adds value to your property, cools your home, improves biodiversity and becomes a lasting feature of your landscape.

Take the time to choose wisely - and your tree will reward you for decades.

This Arbor Month, celebrate by planting a tree that's perfectly suited to your garden and lifestyle - the right tree in the right place will reward you for many years to come. 

If you're unsure which tree is best for your space, visit your nearest Cape Garden branch. Our team can help you choose the ideal species, provide planting advice and recommend the best care to help your new tree thrive from day one. Happy planting! 🌳