National Arbor Week is allocated for the planting of trees and to educate the general public on the importance of greening in the cycle of life. National Arbor Week in South Africa, which usually takes place in September, is the time of the year when all South Africans are called upon to plant an indigenous tree, as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management. At Servest, this forms part of a moral obligation by the CEO and his team. “Our landscaping department drives the culture of greening, how can we not practice what we preach’’, says Steve Wallbanks. Servest recently relocated to Waterfall Logistics Park in Midrand and plan to contribute towards growing more trees in the region. In honouring this commitment, South Africa’s national tree, a Yellowood (Podocarpus) tree was planted at the Servest Head Quarters (HQ) on Monday, 03 September 2018.

Planting indigenous trees are important in our ecosystems, especially due to the benefits this has when it comes to water conservation. This is particularly important for our country, given the recent droughts; and our need to use water wisely to ensure our future generations have sufficient natural resources. Steve emphasises, “We understand this importance and take our commitment to creating a sustainable environment, very seriously.”

In this regard, they grow their own indigenous trees on a farm outside Mpumalanga. These trees and other plants are then used to establish magnificent landscapes all over the country that allow ecosystems to thrive and create self-sustaining environments.

According to documented research, over and above the ecological benefits, such as the reduction of air pollution, the benefits of urban trees include beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of storm water run-off, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, enhancement of property values, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of the overall urban environmental impact. All of this, contributes toward psychological and recreational benefits for humans; and economic benefits for a city.

Submitted by: MyPR