Planting trees is a simple yet powerful way to not only beautify our neighborhoods but also to retain water underground.
The ongoing drought in Zambia highlights the importance of trees in water conservation. Trees not only capture rainfall but also slow down water runoff, giving it time to sink into the soil. A single tree can intercept over 187 litres of water during heavy rains, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
In addition, studies show that even a single tree can sequester up to 22 kilograms of carbon per year, reduce surrounding temperatures by 5-10 degrees Celsius, and improve local air and water quality.
To help you get started in your tree planting journey, in this article, we have tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions that people ask when it comes to planting trees and will cover:
Choosing the right tree
Taking the time to do your research will give you a greater chance of growing trees successfully. Plan for the care as well as the long term protection and maintenance of the tree, which will help it grow to full size.
Should You Grow Your Own Trees from Seed?
Growing trees from seed is more cost effective, especially if you are planning on eventually planting large numbers of trees.
However, growing from seed does take time, with some trees taking several years to reach a substantial size. Seedlings are more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and harsh weather, so you’ll need to be diligent with care, including watering and protecting them in their early stages.
If you’re looking for faster results or if you’re new to gardening, buying a young tree from a nursery can be a good way to start. But if you’re in it for the journey and want to contribute to Zambia’s biodiversity, growing your own trees from seed can be a fulfilling choice.
Where Can You Buy Trees in Zambia?
There are several plant nurseries around Lusaka, who sell a range of plants and some who specialise in different more exotic or fruit trees.
Bonako Zambia - has a selection of trees beneficial to agricultural croplands
Department of Forestry Nursery- located along Elm Rd in Lusaka
Havillah Gardens - specialise in fruit trees
New Forest Nursery - specialise in palm and fruit trees
North Route Nursery - specilise in avocado and macadamia, located in Chisamba
Organic Farm7Â - has a mixture of seedlings, herbs & fruit trees
Palm Farm Nursery - Kabwe - have an interesting selection of fruit trees
Palm View Nursery - specialists in palms and hibiscus
Plant-a-million - has a variety of trees indigenous and fruit trees
Rose Garden Nursery - has a variety of trees including palms and an interesting range of conifers
Rainlands Nursery - Ndola - have a good selection of indigenous trees
Sandy's Creations Garden Centre - has a variety of trees indigenous, ornamental and fruit trees
Trees for Zambia - specialists in indigenous trees
Yathu Gardens - Chilanga - fruit tree specialists
The good thing about buying your trees from a nursery, is the staff should be able to advise you on the care of the tree. Where possible select plants that have been grown in Zambia, rather than imported as these will be more acclimatised to the range of weather we get here.
There are also many informal growers and nurseries who advertise online and these also can offer good specimens. You can join Facebook groups such as Gardening in and around Zambia, Trees in Zambia, Small Scale Farmers (Farming As Business), The Zambia Orchard Forum, to get advice on buying and growing trees.
How Do You Decide Where to Plant Trees and What Trees to Plant?
When selecting a tree, consider how it will integrate with the surrounding landscape as it grows, including other plants, animals and infrastructure.
While trees have the most significant impact, all forms of ground cover—whether shrubs, vegetables, or even mulch—play a vital role in cooling the environment, enhancing biodiversity, and improving water retention. So, plan holistically and include other types of plants in your plan.
Choosing where and what to plant also comes down to a few factors: soil type, sunlight, space, and what you want the tree to do. Do you need shade? Are you looking for fruit? Or maybe you want something to attract birds.
For a more resilient garden, you will need a mix of trees as this will encourage biodiversity in the garden and in the soil, attracting birds, insects and beneficial fungi. So, if possible, grow a mixture of fruit trees, indigenous trees and maybe some exotic trees.
Below are a few more questions that you can ask your nurseryman before buying the tree.
How Big Will The Tree Will Grow?
Trees planted too near the house can be a danger in several ways, either with branches damaging windows or roofs, or the roots lifting the house or cracking the foundation and as they grow thicker and spread. It may take decades for the tree to reach it's full size but you have to think that far ahead to ensure you do not run into any problems.
Remember that trees can drop branches or fall over completely, in heavy winds so do try to plant them where they can't do too much damage and won't fall on top of the roof, should that happen.
How Much Water Will The Tree Need?
Most trees once mature will have developed enough of a tap root to find water even in the drier months, however some trees like eucalyptus and jacaranda take up a huge amount of water during the day. Some trees don't like waterlogged soil whereas some trees have adapted to swampy areas so be sure to choose a tree that is adapted to your area. You can take a look at the mature trees that already exist in your neighbourhood to get an idea of what will grow well.
Generally, newly planted trees will need watering of at least 20 - 50 litres, once a week in the dry season to thrive. Try to create a catchment basin area of about at least a half a metre in each direction where water can soak into the ground to the roots of the tree.
Does It Have Edible Fruits or Messy Leaves?
Fruits are a bonus but as much as we enjoy them, they can be a nuisance if they drop too much fruit on the ground so it rots and attracts flies, small animals also enjoy eating them so you may find the tree becomes a home for bats or birds. For example, mangos and guavas are easy to grow trees and provide abundant fruit, but if the fruit is allowed to fall, rot it can become quite unsightly and draw flies and mice. All it means is that for these trees you may have to do a bit more daily maintenance to keep the area tidy.
Some trees are prolific at dropping leaves and many people are militant at sweeping these up. However, it is actually beneficial to simply keep this layer of leaves on to of the ground because it serves as mulch, in both flower beds and on the lawn, it protects the soil in the dry season and will decompose naturally when the rains arrive.
What Trees Can You Plant Near Your House?
Maintain the indigenous trees - usually we remove the trees that are already in the area and replace them with younger ones. We have to realise that the average tree is at least 10 years old before it will give meaningful shade so protect those that are already established.
Here are some popular choices for trees to plant near your house:
Trichilia emetica (Natal Mahogany)
This indigenous evergreen tree does very well in all areas of Zambia. It's a fast-growing evergreen tree that provides lush shade all year round. The dense canopy is ideal for creating a cool environment near your house, and it requires relatively low maintenance once established.
The Natal Mahogany’s root system tends not to cause damage to roads and buildings making it a safer choice for planting near your home. However, ensure it's planted at about 5 metres away from any structures, considering its potential size as it matures.
Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany)
The Pod Mahogany is another excellent choice for Zambia's various soil types. It handles both clay and sandy soils, making it a versatile option for gardeners. This tree is known for its beautiful red and black seeds and large pinnate leaves.
Although its root system is generally non-invasive, this tree can get quite large, so be sure to plant it at a distance where its canopy won't pose a risk to your roof or walls. It is also fairly slow growing so don’t expect a towering tree in a few years time from planting.
Croton gratissimus
This indigenous species does well in both sandy and clay soils and is highly drought-tolerant. It’s a fast grower and can provide ample shade in just a few years. Croton gratissimus is a good choice for Zambian gardens, with its light-colored bark and unique silvery leaves that reflect sunlight, keeping the surrounding area cooler. Though it grows quickly, its shallow roots mean it’s best to plant it a bit further from your house to avoid any potential structural problems down the line.
By selecting the right trees and preserving the indigenous ones, you can create a safe and inviting environment around your house.
Which trees provide good shade?
One of our primary reasons for planting trees is to provide shade and cool the surrounding space. Consider fast-growing, indigenous trees that thrive in Zambia's climate. Here are three excellent choices:
Albizia adianthifolia (Flat crowned albizia): This is a hardy, native tree known for its fast growth and graceful evergreen foliage. It’s drought-resistant and thrives in a variety of soils, making it a great choice for shading areas along streets or public spaces. Its canopy provides ample shade, which can help cool down the surrounding environment.
Markhamia obtusifolia (Golden Bean Tree): A beautiful and fast-growing tree that produces yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. It’s well-suited for urban areas because of its moderate root system, and it’s a great choice for creating a pleasant, shaded space outside your property.
Khaya anthotheca (African Mahogany): Known for its tall canopy of dark evergreen leaves, the African Mahogany makes a statement in the landscape as it provides shade. They were the lovely street trees along the road to the Long Acres roundabout from the High Court before the road was recently widened and they were cut down.
What Not To Plant Near Your House
It's important to be cautious about what you plant near your house.
Avoid ficus trees (including the popular ficus benjamina, ficus lyrata, ficus elastica) Eucalyptus, as they are rapid growers which can grow to over 20m tall, but can be invasive, potentially damaging foundations, pipes, and sewage systems. Ficus are popular as indoor plants which is fine as their roots are contained and cannot do much damage.
Although acacia trees are stunning, with their greenish grey bark, delicate leaves and umbrella shape, steer clear of acacia trees near the house due to their thorns, which can be a nuisance in your garden.
Although it's a stunning tree, jacaranda do have to the aggressive roots. Jacaranda trees can inhibit the growth of other plants nearby due to allelopathy. They release chemical compounds, or allelochemicals, from their leaves, roots, and fallen flowers, which can suppress the germination and growth of certain nearby plants. This can create a challenging environment for other vegetation to thrive, making it difficult to maintain a diverse garden under or near a jacaranda.
Which Trees Make The Best Street Trees ?
Planting along the street or in paved car parks requires careful selection. Choose trees that are hardy, drought-resistant, and have non-invasive roots to avoid future problems with sidewalks and utilities.
Indigenous trees are ideal for urban spaces, contributing to the local ecosystem while beautifying the streetscape. Partnering with local councils or community groups can make the process smoother.
Some recommended trees include:
Albizia adianthifolia (Flat-crowned albizia), which as the name suggests, produces a flat to umbrella shaped crown giving lovely filtered shade and is adaptable to a range of different soil types.
Another good option is Trichilia emetica (Natal Mahogany), an evergreen tree with a manageable root system that can handle partial shade and requires low maintenance.
Bridelia micrantha is another possible choice for car parks, as it is evergreen and grows well in most moisture retentive soils. These trees not only provide shade but are also well-suited to Zambia’s climate, making them practical options for urban and lightly paved environments.
Many exotic ornamental trees like the different Plumeria (Frangipani) and draceana work well too.
Which fruit trees are easy to grow?
When it comes to planting fruit trees around your home, there are plenty of options that not only enhance the landscape but also provide a supply of fresh fruit at different times of year. Whether you're interested in quick-growing options or want to explore the benefits of indigenous species, here are some top choices that thrive well in most parts of Zambia.
The Big Six
Let’s start with the tried and tested "Big Six" fruit trees; orange, lemon, guava, pawpaw, avocado and mango. These are common fruit trees that have proven to grow well in the Zambian climate. They’re popular for a reason—they offer a reliable harvest and adapt well to most soil types. Plus, they ensure you have fruit almost all year round!
Indigenous Fruit Trees
Indigenous fruit trees may take a bit longer to bear fruit, but they offer unique flavors and are well-suited to the Zambian climate. Here are several indigenous fruit trees to consider planting, though they may be hard to come by in nurseries.
Here are a few examples:
Flacourtia indica (Governor's Plum) - Adaptable to a range of soil types around Zambia, Flacourtia indica grows into a large shrub to small tree with spiny branches and produces a small rounded plum-like fruit that turns purple-black when mature is much loved by both people and wildlife.
Thespesia garckeana [syn. Azanza garckeana] (African Bubblegum) - Also adaptable to a range of soil types around Zambia, the African Bubblegum grows into a medium to large tree with Hibiscus-like flowers followed by the chewy sweet fruits that give the tree its more preferred common name.
Vangueriopsis lanciflora (Wild Medlar) - Although favouring well drained, usually sandy soils, the Wild Medlar is one of Zambia’s best fruits. It produces sweet and juicy plum-sized greenish brown fruits in October-November that are much loved by people and wildlife.
Which Trees Benefit an Agricultural Area?
Trees are not just for fruits and shade but can have tremendous benefits when integrated into the agricultural system.
In agricultural settings, you’ll want trees that improve soil, provide shade, and act as windbreaks. Consider planting:
Gliricidia sepium (Quickstick) is beneficial for its nitrogen-fixing properties, enriching the soil and improving fertility, while also providing excellent shade for crops during hot months. Its rapid growth makes it an effective barrier against wind erosion, helping to protect sensitive crops. It can be invasive so has to be managed carefully.
Leucaena leucocephala (Leucaena) also serves as a nitrogen-fixing tree, which enhances soil quality, and its dense foliage provides excellent shade. Additionally, it can be used as fodder for livestock, creating a sustainable food source within the agricultural ecosystem. They do spread quite prolifically and can become invasive if not managed properly, so be sure to prune regularly and remove any seedlings you find growing in the wrong areas.
Faidherbia albida (Winter Thorn) is unique because it sheds its leaves during the rainy season, allowing sunlight to reach crops during their critical growth period. This tree is also a nitrogen fixer and its deep roots help retain moisture, making it an ideal companion for agricultural areas. It is also used as animal fodder.
These trees not only contribute to a healthier farming environment but also enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural practices.
Planting a young tree
Young trees do require a bit of Tender Loving Care for the first few years in order for them to become established, even if you plant them in the rainy season, they will still require protection and watering for months after that. For example, a young tree will not be able to withstand a bushfire and is vulnerable to being eaten by livestock.
When should you plant your tree?
For most people, the rainy season is the ideal time to plant your tree. Why? Because the extra rainfall helps provide the necessary water for your tree to establish itself. Young trees need moisture to develop their roots and adapt to their new environment, so taking advantage of the rainy season gives them the best chance for survival.
Planting in the spring Sept to November, is also a good time as long as you are able to water the tree. Planting in winter, between May and August does not add advantage as the tree is usually dormant in the winter months.
How to plant a tree
Is A Square Planting Hole Better Than a Round Planting Hole?
A square planting hole is better than a round one because it encourages the roots to spread out properly, which leads to a healthier and more stable tree.
In a round hole, roots often follow the circular path and become "pot-bound" or tangled, which can stunt the tree's growth and make it less stable in the long run. A square hole has corners that disrupt this circular pattern, encouraging roots to extend into the surrounding soil, helping the tree anchor itself better and access nutrients more effectively.
In the long term, this can make your tree more resilient to wind and more adaptable to different soil conditions.
What Not To Do When Planting a Tree?
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when planting a tree.
Don’t plant it too deep or too shallow—the root flare should be visible just above the soil.
Steer clear of synthetic fertilizers at the planting stage as these may force the plant to grow too fast, leading to a weaker plant in the long run; instead, use compost or organic matter.
Be very careful when handling the roots of a tree as damaging the tips of the roots and hinder the growth of sensitive trees. Water the tree a day in advance of planting to make it easier to remove from the bag and loosen the roots when planting.
Avoid planting in compacted or poor-quality soil without proper amendments like compost, as poor soil quality can hinder the tree’s growth.
On-going Care And Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for ensuring your young tree thrives. Many community tree planting activities have failed because people just simply left the trees to fend for themselves after planting.
Water your young tree deeply once a week, especially during the dry season, to encourage strong root growth.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and protects the soil from heat.
Keep the area around the tree weed-free and monitor for pests to promote healthy early growth.
Try protective planting by companion planting with other water-wise protective plants such as dracena, perennial hardy shrubs like lavender, rosemary and pigeon pea (nyandolo), or next to aloes and other hardy succulents.
Get Started On your Planting Journey
We hope this guide provides you with the information needed to get started on your tree-planting journey. Remember, even planting just one tree makes a difference!
If you’re feeling uncertain, why not join a community tree-planting initiative which will be planting trees in different areas this rainy season. You will find more details on the #treeplantingchallengezambia website.
What is the Tree Planting Challenge?
This year we want everyone to go out planting trees and by getting #treeplantingchallengezambia trending on social media, we hope to inspire ordinary people all over Zambia to take part.
Be a part in this years Tree Planting Challenge, by:
posting a picture of yourself with a tree that you have just planted.
use the hashtags #treeplantingchallengezambia #everytreecounts #onetreeoneperson #wewantevidence when you share on your social media.
Need more information:
1. Follow Greenspace Zambia on our social media for helpful information on tree planting in general.
2. Join a tree planting initiative: https://www.greenspacezambia.com/treeplantinginzambia
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