The Urban Garden Geek led the celebrations of Arbor Day, where they planted trees in parts of Ekurhuleni on September 3 and 4.

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Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees.

Many countries observe this day. Though usually observed in the Spring, the date varies depending on climate and suitable planting season.

David Dorgan, director of The Urban Garden Geek, started this initiative and continues to do it annually.

He has been doing residential and commercial landscaping and design for the last seven years.

Dorgan encouraged residents to take control of their parks.

“Our goal was to plant 60 trees. Thirty trees were planted throughout Lambton and surrounding suburbs and 30 trees will be planted in Bassonia and surrounding suburbs.

“The trees come at a cost of R190 each. We planted trees at Bramley Drive Circle, Parkhill Gardens, Jacaranda Drive, Mimosa Park, Willow Wilderness Park and Edenvale,” said Dorgan.

Ward 39 Clr Jean Ingram and committee members were also part of the programme.

Ingram said parks are the cornerstone of the ecosystem in a concrete jungle.

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“Residents need to take ownership of parks, nurture them and ensure their longevity.

“Not only do parks function as environmental purifiers, but also provide preservation and conservation of wildlife and plant life. Trees in urban areas can add shade and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses,” said Ingram.

“Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a community.

Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how liveable communities are,” she said.