Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is calling on residents, businesses, schools and community organisations to help expand the city’s urban forest by planting trees during Arbor Month this September.
Under the 2026 theme, “My Tree, My Oxygen – Plant Yours Today,” JCPZ wants tree planting to become part of everyday life, encouraging Johannesburgers to plant trees to mark special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, the birth of a child, moving into a new home or in memory of a loved one.
The call comes as rapid urbanisation and population growth continue to place pressure on available green spaces. Johannesburg’s existing tree canopy is also affected by ageing trees, disease, illegal felling, veld fires, pests, soil degradation and changing climatic conditions.
JCPZ Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew said protecting and expanding Johannesburg’s urban forest requires the involvement of the entire city.
“Johannesburg’s trees are not nice-to-have decoration; they are living, lifesaving, critical infrastructure. Trees cool our neighbourhoods, shelter biodiversity, strengthen our soils and leave a legacy long after we are gone,” said Mendrew.
Beyond planting indigenous trees, JCPZ is encouraging households to consider fruit trees and food gardens where conditions allow. These can provide shade while helping families grow food amid rising household costs and food insecurity.
Trees can also provide natural shade around homes, schools and businesses, helping to create cooler outdoor environments during periods of intense heat.
As part of Arbor Month activities, JCPZ will host an activation at Moletsane Park in Soweto on September 8 in partnership with several organisations. The programme will include the distribution of 2,000 trees and 200 Spekboom plants, indigenous tree planting, environmental exhibitions and learner engagement.
With space on public land increasingly limited, JCPZ is also encouraging planting on private properties, residential complexes, school grounds, business premises, places of worship and university and college campuses.
Mendrew urged Johannesburgers to see Arbor Month as more than a once-a-year campaign and to recognise that protecting mature trees is just as important as planting new ones.
“JCPZ’s appeal to the media is simple: help us make planting a tree part of Johannesburg’s culture. If the City plants thousands and our residents plant thousands more, together we can grow a greener, healthier and more resilient Johannesburg,” he said.
