Sundaymail Editor
Andrew Mangwarara
MY weekend was eventful with a visit to The Three Monkeys restaurant at the Honeydew Lifestyle Centre in Greendale, Harare.
The place boasts a breathtaking garden with a central pond, surrounded by meandering pathways offering spectacular views.
Touring the garden, I was impressed by the beautiful acacias growing near the pond. Trees, when planted, need care.
Let us explore this.
Make it known that you have planted trees by fencing them off until they are clearly visible.
From the start, ensure they are kept weed-free and watered regularly. Additionally, you should apply fertiliser to boost growth.
During the first few years, keep the area around each tree free of weeds. You can control weeds by mulching.
If mulch is unavailable, you can spray a herbicide, ensuring the chemical does not touch the tree itself.
When watering, the goal is to encourage roots to grow downwards, not remain on the surface. Prolonged dry spells encourage downward root growth, so water only when absolutely necessary.
Regular mowing is not encouraged, as it increases competition for moisture, stressing the trees.
Pests and diseases can cause serious damage, so inspect your trees regularly to ensure they are healthy.
Pruning is best done in winter, when trees are dormant. It can encourage upward growth. Ensure the cuts are clean and not too large. Big cuts can introduce pathogens.
As the tree grows, protect the trunk from damage.
Finally, label your trees for educational purposes. This is invaluable information that is often lost with each generation.
You will be surprised to learn that there are many people who do not even know a simple tree like msasa (Brachystegia spiciformis).
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