Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed?

TreeCo has developed an extemely loyal group of clients who have come to rely on us for the quality and unique character of our trees. Whether you plant one of our 50lt or 1000lt trees, you can be assured that we have taken every measure to ensure that the specimen you invest in, has the best possible chance of survival within your landscape. Our quality translates directly to your image as a professional landscaper, which is a responsibility we take very seriously.

Beyond the quality of our trees lies the all important environmental aspect relating to how our trees are produced and cared for. We do not use harmful pesticides or chemical fertilisers and our trees are encouraged to grow at a natural rate and to a natural shape, so not only are our trees are genuinely stronger and healthier, you know that you are supporting an organisation that is continually taking active steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

When we ask 'Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed'?, what we really mean to ask is 'Have you used the best quality trees, produced by an environmentally responsible company to green your world'?

TreeCo Open Month EXTENDED due to popular demand!

To celebrate our most recent expansion of the nursery, TreeCo held an ‘Open Month’ during April which enabled our clients to come enjoy a cup of coffee and a stroll around the nursery, as well as qualified visiting clients for an incredible 10% discount on any trees purchased on the day of their visit. Our offer included a further 10% discount on all subsequent orders placed with us during the remainder of the month.

Although many of you have already visited us, there are many of you who were unable to because of all the public holidays and long weekends. We were swamped with requests from those of you who couldn’t visit us to extend our Open Month and we are very excited to announce that we will be honouring your requests!

Our Open Month including the fantastic 10% discount offer (on the day of your visit and on subsequent orders) has been extended for the month of May!

If you haven’t visited us before – or have perhaps forgotten exactly how to get to TreeCo, please download our clear, simple Map and Directions from our website www.treeco.co.za - you will find it located on the 'MAP' page.

We hope to see you all soon and ask that you give us a call the day before you would like to visit us so that we are able to ensure we are on the farm to meet you with coffee piping hot and ready! Please contact either Rudi on 082 829 5543 or Leske on 072 385 0270.

Spectacular Monthly Tree - May 2009

The beautiful, deciduous Celtis africana will grow to a height of 25m and is the ideal tree for a range of commercial and residential landscaping uses. The White Stinkwood, as it is commonly known, is fast and easy to grow under a wide range of conditions, is fairly drought resistant, can withstand frost, is an excellent shade tree for public gardens and parks and is ideal for use as a street/avenue tree.

At TreeCo we have a large stock-holding of the White Stinkwood available and urge you to place your orders with us early to avoid disappointment!

Botanical Name: Celtis africana
Common Name: White Stinkwood
Bag Size: 50 litre
Quantity Available: 300
Average Tree Height: 2.5m

Trunk Thickness: 3-4cm

Should you require any further information, such as pricing details or should you wish to place an order, please contact Rudi on 082 829 5543 or Leske on 072 385 0270. Alternatively you are welcome to email us with your enquiry at info@treeco.co.za.

Heteropyxis natalensis - Lavender Tree

The Heteropyxis natalensis, or Lavender Tree as it is commonly known, is an incredibly versatile little tree that should indeed be used more often where a striking, characterful alternative is required for landscape projects. Suited for very small to large landscapes, the Lavender Tree has a tidy growth habit, making it ideal for clustered plantings, boundary plantings, as well as a feature plant on its own. With its rich green spring/summer colour and its beautiful yellow-red autumn/winter colour, the H.natalensis offers diverse, year-round beauty.

BASIC TREE DETAILS

Botanical Name: Heteropyxis natalensis Harv.
Common Name: Lavender Tree
Genus: Heteropyxidaceae
RSA National Tree No’: 455

LANDSCAPING USES

The Lavender Tree is a small to medium tree that is grown as single or multi-stemmed specimens. This characterful little tree is ideal for planting within a container or confined plant bed where space is limited. In the larger landscape, the H.natalensis is highly successful when planted as a cluster or as a boundary. This tree, although termed deciduous, offers year round leaf colour with its dark green leaves in spring/summer and yellow-red leaves in autumn/winter. The H.natalensis attracts numerous insect-eating birds who feed off the insects attracted to this tree. When crushed, the leaves and stems exude an aroma reminiscent of lavender - hence its common name.

TREE SPECIFICATIONS

Height: 4-10m
Spread: 2-6m
Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
Growth Habit: The H. natalensis occurs naturally in bushveld areas, as well as forest margins in riverine fringes and on rocky hillsides.
Bark: The bark is pale grey in colour and as older bark areas flake, light grey-white or orange-brown tinged under-bark is revealed.
Foliage: The foliage of the Lavender Tree has a drooping growth habit. The leaves are narrowly to broadly lanceolate ranging from 2,5-9 x 1-2,5cm. The leaves are shiny dark green above and a paler green below. In autumn the leaves turn to rich hues of yellow to red which remain on the tree all through winter, followed by beautiful, slightly more muted red new leaves which appear in spring. Spring and autumn colours develop best in the dryer regions.
Flowers: The flowers are small, sweetly scented, chartreuse (yellowish-green) in colour and appear from December to March.
Fruit: The fruit, which appears between March and May is a small shiny brown oval capsule measuring 4 x 2.5mm. When ripe the fruit splits into 2-3 valves, releasing the seeds.
Seed: The seeds are small and are released from the fruit after it has ripened (in the manner described above).

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

Growing regions: The Lavender Tree occurs along the coastal and inland regions of Kwa-zulu Natal and can also be found growing in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Growing conditions: The H. natalensis grows best in a full sun position, although it will tolerate light shade. It does require protection from frost for the first year and requires well drained soil with moderate water.
Best season: All year
Hardiness: The Lavender Tree can withstand up to 6 months of drought.
Propagation: Easily propagated from seed.
Growth rate: Medium – approximately 1m per year.

INTERESTING FEATURES

Leaves are browsed by Black Rhino. Crushed twigs and leaves emit a fragrance reminiscent of lavender. Leaves can be used in herbal tea and potpourri. As the wood is exceptionally hard, it is ideal for use as fencing posts and charcoal. Leaves and roots are often used medicinally to treat worms in livestock. African healers prescribe the inhalation of steam from a decoction of the roots to heal a bleeding nose, as well as a preparation of the roots which can be used for several mental disorders. Essential oil is extracted from the leaves of this tree and has considerable antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.