National Tree Planting Day

National Tree Planting Day is the Forestry Commission’s flagship campaign, held every year on the first Saturday of December. The day is dedicated to motivating the nation to plant and care for trees, promoting awareness of forests and woodlands, enhancing biodiversity, improving food security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Ensuring the Survival of Planted Seedlings

We have an at least 70% survival rate for newly planted trees thanks to our focus on proper care and technique.

Planting During the Rainy Season: We encourage planting during the rainy season to ensure natural moisture supports seedling growth.
Monitoring and Follow-ups: Forestry Commission officers in every district conduct regular follow-ups to monitor planted areas.
“Blanking” (Replanting): If seedling mortality exceeds 10%, we carry out a process called “blanking,” which involves replacing dead trees. For example, our Mashonaland East team recently replanted trees at Chishawasha Primary School, a 2010 Presidential tree-planting site.

Complementary Tree Planting Programs

Tree Growing and Tree-Care Program (TGTC): This program focuses on schools, teaching children the importance of trees and how to establish nurseries and produce seeds.
Farmer Field Days & Training: We host workshops and tours to share knowledge on woodland management, agroforestry for fodder and soil improvement, and beekeeping as a forest conservation tool.
Tobacco Wood Energy Program (TWEP): Since 2004, this program has addressed deforestation caused by tobacco farming by promoting the planting of fast-growing tree species for curing tobacco, which reduces pressure on indigenous forests.

The Tree of the Year

Each year, we designate a specific Tree of the Year to unify national efforts in afforestation and bring attention to indigenous species.

Selection Criteria

The selected tree species must:

Be indigenous to Zimbabwe.
Have food and/or medicinal properties.
Contribute to national socio-economic well-being.
Offer environmental or biodiversity benefits.

Nationwide Availability

By the time the Tree of the Year is announced, Forestry Commission nurseries across the country are already stocking the species. We also communicate with local farmers early to encourage them to prepare their own seedlings.

How You Can Contribute

Establish nurseries and raise seedlings for personal and community use.
Set aside land and grow woodlots to meet local firewood needs.
Plant a tree on National Tree Planting Day and throughout the season.
Replace every tree you cut down. If removal is necessary, follow the principle: “Cut One, Plant Many.”