What trees to plant in the sandy soil of the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town
avz10
Posts: 3
I have recently bought a house in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. This area has sandy soil.There is basically no garden and the drought has left its mark.
The front garden is small and it gets very hot in this area. 
The wall next to the gate faces north.I want to plant one or two trees here that can give me dappled shade so that I can plant ferns, etc under the trees. Because of the location, I cannot plant a tree with an extensive root system. I thought of something like a leopard tree, but I believe the roots will be a problem. I read that the Silver Birch could be a possibility. If possible, it should be growing fast.
At the back, there is an unfinished koi pond that I will get going. There is an attempt to create a waterfall effect. Any idea for shade, or should I consider a pergola?
Then to the left, I want to plant a row of evergreen trees that can cover the wall. In the front thereof shorter shrubs. I would again appreciate trees that grow fast.I like a tropical look.
I appreciate any response
Posts
Sorry, this is a UK-based site. Have a look around you to see what other people have planted.
Oh my goodness, that's so different from my green uk garden. I'd suggest that you google Cape Town gardening, I sure there's help online or locally to you. For example, I found this when I tried it...
http://www.capetowngreenmap.co.za/go-green/plant-indigenous-garden
Sorry I can't help. Good luck anyway!
Hello avz. Looking at your garden why not think about one/more of the Eucalyptus family. These grow happily in that kind of situation. You could also go for Callistemon and some of the Banksia family. A shrubby type plant that might also suit that type of ground is Eleagnus.
Last edited: 26 April 2017 12:35:17
Thanks for the responses. I was under the impression that gardenersworld had south african section. sorry about the post, but since I have posted, what are your thoughts about the Silver Birch?
Pansy has the same idea as me.
Looks and sounds good!
Well very good luck to you avz!