Sustainable Living: Repurposing Invasive Trees

South Africa has a significant issue with invasive and alien tree species which have spread across nearly 10 million hectares of land, consuming around 7% of the country’s precious water resources each year. Imagine these as uninvited guests at a party, and having made themselves at home, they're incredibly hard to remove. Despite the eradication of many of these

“guests”

not being possible, the problem can be reduced to minimise the impact. Divan Vermaak, Veld Management Specialist at Husqvarna South Africa explains the effect that Invasive trees can have on the environment:

“Alien species compete with native flora and disrupt ecosystems, reducing essential resources like water and even leading to native species extinctions. It is therefore important to manage and remove invasive trees that have made themselves at home on your property before they do further damage to the health of the environment.” 

However, their removal doesn't have to mean waste. With a bit of creativity and the right equipment, you can transform their wood into practical, eco-friendly products. This will contribute to sustainable living while restoring balance to local habitats. Vermaak shares five practical and eco-friendly uses for wood from invasive trees.

1. Creating Placemats or Chopping Boards - Transforming invasive tree wood into functional kitchen items like placemats or chopping boards is a fantastic way to repurpose this resource. Using a chainsaw, you can cut the wood into desired shapes and sizes, then sand and seal them for a food-safe finish. These handmade items add a rustic charm to your kitchen and make great gifts as we approach the Festive season, promoting sustainability through reduced waste. 

2. DIY Side Tables or Stools - Another creative use for invasive tree wood is crafting DIY side tables or stools. With the help of a chainsaw, you can design and build sturdy and stylish furniture pieces. These items can serve as unique additions to your home decor, showcasing your commitment to sustainable living and resourcefulness.

3. Repurposing as Firewood for Summer Braais - Some invasive tree wood can be repurposed as firewood, perfect for summer braais or cosy winter fires. This provides a practical use for the wood while supporting traditional outdoor cooking methods. However, when barbecuing or smoking, remember to select wood varieties recognised for their flavour and safety, whether alien or native to our environment.

4. Crafting Eco-friendly Garden Features - For those with ‘green fingers’, invasive tree wood can be recycled to enhance your garden. Start by trimming hedges with a brushcutter, then use the wood to create edgings or decorative garden paths to define garden spaces and add artistic appeal. Another idea is to shred or chip the wood to create mulch for gardens or landscaping projects. This will help retain moisture in the soil while adding nutrients. Wood chips can also be repurposed into natural walking paths or used as a safe, eco-friendly surface for playgrounds This prevents waste and promotes the use of natural materials in landscaping.

5. Building Biodiversity Havens - Crafting birdhouses or insect hotels will promote biodiversity in your garden. These eco-friendly structures provide shelter and nesting spaces for birds and beneficial insects, supporting the local ecosystem while providing valuable habitats. With tools like a chainsaw and brushcutter, you can shape the wood into sturdy, weather-resistant structures and actively contribute to the conservation of native species in your area.

“If you are unsure about what trees are alien to South Africa, speak to your local nursery or go to https://invasives.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/South-Africa-Listed-Invasive-Species-A5-Booklet.pdf for a list of invasive alien trees and plants,” advises Vermaak. “And, why not consider planting a native species for each invasive tree you remove as well to replenish our green spaces? This practice not only helps restore the natural ecosystem but also ensures that future generations can enjoy the beauty and benefits of local flora,” he concludes.

For more information about Husqvarna chainsaws and brushcutters, visit https://www.husqvarna.com/za or should you need advice about which chainsaw or pole-pruner to use, contact your nearest Husqvarna dealer.