Media statement
The City of Tshwane invites residents to help uncover Tshwane's urban giants during Arbor Month
21 September 2026
As South Africa commemorates Arbor Month this September, the City of Tshwane is encouraging residents to celebrate the capital's natural heritage by helping to identify and document some of its biggest and most remarkable trees.
Although American redwoods are often regarded as the largest trees in the world, South Africa has its own impressive tree giants. The largest specimens of individual species are recorded in the National Register of Big Trees of South Africa, while the Big Trees of Southern Africa initiative is undertaking a dedicated project to document the biggest trees across South African National Parks.
Tshwane is home to several exceptional trees hidden in plain sight along streets, in parks and nature reserves, and within private gardens. The renowned Wonderboom fig is the largest tree in the city, while a yellowwood growing in a garden in Rietondale holds the distinction of being the largest yellowwood recorded outside South Africa's natural forests.
In celebration of Arbor Month, the Big Trees of Southern Africa initiative, supported by the Magaliesberg Branch of the Dendrological Society, has launched the Big Trees of Tshwane Project. The initiative seeks to identify, measure, evaluate and document the city's largest trees.
Several notable trees across Tshwane have already been measured, including the following:
The results of the project will be published on the official Big Trees of Tshwane website. The growing registry has already generated local interest, with guided tree tours offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience some of the city's recorded giants.
Beyond its potential to support eco-tourism, the project will help educate the public about the ecological and historical value of mature trees. These trees contribute to cleaner air, provide shade and habitats for wildlife, enhance the urban landscape and form part of Tshwane's living heritage. Documenting them will also strengthen efforts to promote their long-term care and protection.
Residents who know of an exceptionally large tree within Tshwane are invited to submit a nomination. The project will primarily focus on trees located in accessible public spaces, including streets, parks and nature reserves. Private property owners are also welcome to nominate trees on their premises and share any known history associated with them. The addresses of private properties will be kept strictly confidential.
To nominate a tree or explore the live interactive map, please visit the Big Trees of Tshwane website: https://bigtrees.co.za/tshwane .
During Arbor Month, the City calls on residents to appreciate, protect and help document the magnificent trees that enrich Tshwane's environment and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
Issued by the Communication, Marketing and Events Department.