The Tree Planting Project is replacing dead trees with more resilient trees. This special project aims to help preserve the town’s unique tree lined character for future generations. We share details on the progress to date, and how to become involved with this special initiative.
Progress to Date
The Tree Planting Project shares their progress to date and how to get involved  update on their initiative until the end of June.
Plein Street: 8 trees planted, another 4 trees scheduled for planting on 23 July. Three trees have been cut down, but because if active root systems, planting will move into 2027.The paving will be tidied up, wood chips will be spread beneath all the trees, and donor name plaques will be installed.
Church Street: Two trees have been planted and another 8 trees scheduled tob e planted 16-17 July. One tree (in front of Gavin Collins Gallery) will only be planted in 2027 due to an active root system. The paving will be tidied up, wood chips will be spread beneath all the trees, and donor name plaques will be installed.
Dorp Street: Five trees have been planted and a further 25 trees have been identified between Drostdy Street and the R44. These trees are at various stages of the approval process, including Heritage approval for removal and municipal wayleave approvals. We will see how much progress we can make with the replanting in Dorp Street this winter, depending on the approval processes, available funding, and the availability of the Municipality’s tree-planting team.
Andringa Street: One tree has been planted and another 3 trees have been approved for replanting. Planting date August 2026. The paving will be tidied up, wood chips will be spread beneath all the trees, and donor name plaques will be installed.
Ryneveld Street: One tree has been planted and another 3 trees have been approved for replanting. Planting date August 2026.
Bird Street: One tree has been identified for replanting, and we are currently working through the approval process.
Safeguarding Stellenbosch’s Living Heritage
Stellenbosch’s oak trees were planted at the request of Hendrik Adriaan van Reede under the direction of Simon van der Stel. But these English oaks (Quercus robur) are more than mere foliage. They are living monuments, some formally declared National Monuments, embodying the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
However, a serious threat now endangers this iconic landscape: the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus). This invasive beetle attacks large trees, particularly vulnerable English oaks, boring into the wood and introducing a harmful fungus that disrupts water transport, leading to decline and death. Many historic trees have already succumbed or are in the process of dying, prompting urgent action to protect Stellenbosch’s living heritage. Many historic trees have already succumbed or are in the process of dying, prompting urgent action to protect Stellenbosch’s living heritage.
The Tree Planting Project
In response, Stellenbosch Municipality, as custodian of this heritage, has launched the Tree Planting Project in partnership with concerned residents, Stellenbosch University scientists, and a dedicated project team. This initiative aims to combat the PSHB impact through protection, removal and strategic replanting.
Phase One focuses on the Historic Centre, with plans to expand town-wide as the infestation evolves.
Key objectives include:
- Enhancing resilience of remaining trees via better nutrition and care.
- Safely removing infected or dead trees following protocols from Heritage Western Cape and the Municipality.
- Replanting at least 30 new oak trees in 2026 (with ongoing efforts until control is achieved).
- Providing three years of dedicated maintenance for new plantings, including soil prep, watering, supports and BioBarrier root control systems.
- Encouraging community participation through donations and personalised name plaques on sponsored trees.
How the Project Works
Stellenbosch Municipality handles critical infrastructure:
- Identifying and obtaining approvals for tree removals.
- Pruning/felling infected trees and stump removal.
- Preparing planting pits, installing BioBarrier systems, support stakes and permeable paving.
The project team – Francé Beyers, Liesl van der Walt, Ernst Gouws (Stellenbosch Trail Fund NPC) and Siobhan Meyer – manages:
- Fundraising via the Stellenbosch Trail Fund NPC (with funds ring-fenced for the project).
- Sourcing healthy specimens (~3m tall, 200–500-litre containers).
- Coordinating plaques, supports and collaboration with the Municipality.
The process follows clear steps:
- Municipality identifies dead trees and secures approvals.
- Wayleave applications check for underground services.
- Dead trees removed and pits prepared.
- Project team procures and delivers 30–40 new trees — primarily resilient Turkish oak (Quercus cerris) and pin oak (Quercus palustris), which show greater resistance to PSHB.
- Installation of barriers, supports, paving and plaques.
- Municipality commits to three years of watering, pruning and feeding.
- Replacements provided if any transplants fail.
Each tree sponsorship costs R25,000, covering purchase, delivery, preparation, installation, plaque and potential replacement — ensuring long-term success.
Why It Matters
These oaks are living witnesses to Stellenbosch’s story: symbols of community, continuity and beauty. By supporting this project, residents and donors help preserve the town’s unique character for future generations.
Click here to become involved, donate through the Stellenbosch Trail Fund NPC or contact the project team for sponsorship details.
Together, we can ensure the historic centre’s tree-lined streets continue to inspire and endure.