Indigenous Trees are Slow Growers:
There is a belief among many with whom we engage, that indigenous trees are naturally slow growers. Yes, if you compare the growth rate of some indigenous trees, like Keurbooms (pioneer trees and superfast growers) to other indigenous trees like Milkwoods (not as fast growing as the pioneer trees). For the most part, however, it is not true that indigenous trees are slow growers. Plant an indigenous tree in an endemic position where the growing conditions are naturally perfect for the tree to thrive, they grow surprisingly quickly.
In April 2018, Ray Nolan, was gifted over 50 trees through Precious Tree Project for his 50th birthday by close family and friends. On the weekend of the 26th April 2020, we gathered together to plant out a variety of precious indigenous trees on his small holding in Wilderness Heights, including Outeniqua Yellowwoods, Boekenhouts and Wild Olives. Today, these trees have shot up by 2-3m in the space of nearly 24 months.
Correct choice of endemic species for the site and selective planting methods have not only enabled these indigenous trees to survive with little maintenance post-planting, but grow rapidly over the past two years. ROI in the assisted regenerative growth of our forests is faster than you think.
If you would like to sponsor a tree and help us help our endemic indigenous forests in the Garden Route grow, click here and learn how you can get involved!
