GOOD TREES TO PLANT FOR SHADE

• Water pear ( Syzygiumguineense) with its red berries is a fast grower and the root system is not aggressive.

• Lavender tree ( Heteropyxisnatalensis) can be planted close to the house and is suitable for small gardens. • Cape ash ( Ekebergiacapensis) and wild plum ( Harpephyllumcaffrum) attract birds, but plant these two far away from buildings or walls because the roots could cause trouble. • Sweet gum ( Liquidambarstryraciflua) is a beautiful deciduous tree that explodes into colour in autumn, but be aware that this giant has fairly lateral surface roots that could damage hard surfaces such as paving.

For cool relief, Petro Jacobs suggests planting these trees: