SANParks.org Forums

This is not Sanparks, but is it about eco diversity.

If it is removed, I will not be offended.

I have moved to an area close to "the cradle".

It is a nature concervancy, but it has a legacy of quick growing, allien vegatation.

I don't have a very big garden, but I would llike to make the best of what I have. I have many wonderful trees around me, but I do have 2 young pines on my perimeter fence. I can see how big pines can grow and they worry me.

I hate killing trees I have done it before and I think that I should do it again now.

Do you think that chopping down the pines is justified?

If I do, what trees do you think I should plant?

I would like to attract fruit and nectar birds.

I have many birds visiting. I would just like to give them really good meal.

Are pine trees alien vegetation?

Micetta, I think that they are.

According to my tree book, they are seen as an invading species.

MM please chop them down they can be real nasty if they get a hold, and can create an area around their base where the soil is unsuitable for anything else to grow.

MM whereabouts do you live in terms of the lay of the land? near a river or on a more open plain? Will help in suggesting what trees you could plant

MM I would get someone to cut them down and then chop them into smaller pieces and use the wood for braais . They smell nice went burnt.

From the net
Hope it helps


But cut them after XMas

Bert

Hugh, I am sure that I could do with a braai or two

Oddesey, I am in a typical highveld area, but close to a river. I am actually about 5kms from Lanseria as the crow flies nd about 6 kms from the actual cradle.

This is about 4kms from my home.



5 metres from my gate.



Potential agents of plant destruction.

Big dog little cushion, little dog big cushion

LOL, Micetta, very observant.


MM, erradicate and replace.

You could plant a host of different Combretum species and even a few acacia that would occur naturally in those areas. Acacia melifera (black thorn) and Acacia nilotica are good ones or even Combretum zeyheri (large fruited bushwillow) and for closer to the river Combretum erythrophylum (river bushwillow).

Ill see if I can have a look at the vegetation types of SA to see exactly what species should be found there

You have very friendly looking potential agents of destruction!

MM, I will also take them out and plant indigineous trees. I may even consider planting a couple of fruit trees like peaches, even if just letting those go to the birds and other small game that may enjoy the fruits.

Game viewing from your windows MM and more pee and poo.....

I agree with oddesy and others here - remove the pine trees. They are not only alien, but also invasive - especially in the grassland biome. And as others have mentioned, pine trees change the soil, so that many indigenous biodiversity in grasslands (e.g. geophytes and other wildflowers) cannot grow there anymore. The grassland biome is the most threatened and least conserved of all South Africa's biomes, and the protection of its biodiversity (and especially the grassland endemics) are in the hands of private land owners...

Pull out the pines , nothing grows under them
Plant indigenous . Get this book : " Benut ons inheemse bome - by Fanie and Pitta Joffe " . It is also available in English , " Making the most of Indigenous Trees " .
Tells you all about identification , economic value , planting , propagation etc of about 150 indigenous trees . Shows leaves , flowers , seeds , what animals eat them , butterflies and birds that favour them , etc .

Enjoy