I joined communities like Trees for Harare at the annual Tree Planting sale, where they are pledging to make Harare green again. The atmosphere was alive with purpose, local nurseries displayed indigenous species, offered free advice, and prepared us for the upcoming National Tree Planting Day on 6 December 2025. I couldn’t resist picking up some rosemary, whose heavenly scent transforms any kitchen, and a few Capsicum annuum seedlings because, in my household, chilli is tradition.

For every tree planted, countless others are being chopped down. This means that even as individuals and communities plant, deforestation continues to undo much of that progress. The truth is simple: we can never plant too many trees. Each sapling is a shield against climate change, a home for birdlife, and a promise of shade for future generations. 

The Harsh Reality of Deforestation is that it brings devastating consequences. Zimbabwe, compared to its Southern African neighbours, faces serious challenges. The impact here is more acute because our ecosystems are fragile and our communities depend directly on forest resources. This is not just Harare’s fight; it is Zimbabwe’s fight. Every community must embrace tree planting as a way of life. Imagine if every household planted just one tree each year; the collective impact would be monumental. 

This annual sale is a reminder that we all have a role to play. We are reminded that trees are not just environmental assets; they are cultural and social anchors. They make our cities livable, our roads scenic, and our mornings filled with birdsong. Let us pledge together: plant trees, protect them, and inspire others to do the same. The future of our forests depends on how we respond to deforestation today. And while I left the sale with rosemary and chilli seedlings, I carried home something far greater, a renewed conviction that every tree matters.