Thursday, December 9, 2010

Seasons Greetings from TreeCo!



TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - December 2010













 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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'?
 

Drive in for your December Discount!

As yet another year draws to a close we would like to thank all of you for your valuable support. As a token of our appreciation, our gift to you is an exciting mystery discount for all those who visit us at the nursery to make a selection from our extensive range of superb quality trees before we close for the holidays. 

Allow yourself some time out to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat on our shady verandah followed by a stroll around our newly extended nursery and see for yourself what we can offer you. At TreeCo we strive to provide the very best quality, service and value for money as well as personalised advice. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Spectacular Monthly Tree - Podocarpus latifolius (Real Yellowwood)

Podocarpus latifolius or the Real yellowwood is South Africa’s national tree. This beautiful medium to large tree is the most widespread of the yellowwoods and is an excellent choice for home gardens, parks and street planting. This lovely tree has long, narrow, glossy green leaves that are longer on young trees than on mature trees. The bark is grey and longitudinally fissured. The sexes are separate with the male tree bearing catkin-like cones while the female tree bears purplish fruit that are carried on thickened, fleshy stalks known as receptacles. The wood from the Real yellowwood is a beautiful golden yellow and was widely used for floorboards in old Cape homesteads as well as for fine furniture. Unfortunately, these magnificent trees were relentlessly cut down until they nearly became extinct. Today, Podocarpus latifolius is a protected species.

 
Botanical NamePodocarpus latifolius
Common Name                Real Yellowwood                 
Bag Size 100 lt
Quantity Available 100
Average Tree Height
& Trunk Thickness
2.5m 
5-7cm 
 
 
 
 
 
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.
 
Looking Good List for December 2010

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Looking Good List every month.
Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.
 
Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Looking Good List.
 
This document is available as a PDF document and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer, please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.
 
 

Podocarpus henkelli (Henkels yellowwood)

There can be no lovelier choice for a Christmas tree than our own elegant Podocarpus henkelii. The distinctive pyramid shape and the beautiful dense, glossy green leaves makes this one of our most decorative conifers. Although it grows extremely high and wide in nature, it is considerably lower and narrower in cultivation. Henkel’s yellowwood, a protected species, is named after Dr. J. S. Henkel who worked in forestry conservation in South Africa and determined that this species is separate from Podocarpus latifolius. This is the nesting tree of choice for the Cape parrot and the seeds are a popular source of food for these attractive birds as well as a variety of other birds.
 
 BASIC TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name
Podocarpus henkelii
Common Name
Henkel’s yellowwood
Genus
Podocarpaceae
RSA National Tree No’
17
 LANDSCAPING USES
The evergreen Podocarpus henkelii is undoubtedly one of our loveliest indigenous specimen trees and is the preferred yellowwood for the garden. Where space is limited near entries and in courtyards, it performs admirably. By planting a single specimen near a door or several along a wall, the striking shape of this handsome tree can be fully appreciated. These versatile trees do extremely well in large containers and can even be seen along the pavements of Hong Kong planted in this way. Henkel’s yellowwood looks lovely when planted as an informal screen or hedge or as a more formal avenue along a drive or walkway.  
 TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height
10m
Spread
4m
Deciduous/Evergreen
Evergreen
Growth Habit
Podocarpus henkelii is usually found in moist afromontane forest in the sub tropics as well as low lying areas in temperate regions of the southern hemisphere.
Bark
The bark is dark grey to pale brownish grey and is longitudinally fissured. Some older trees may be found with the bark peeling off in large pieces, exposing the red brown under surface.
Foliage
The lovely long, slender, drooping and glossy dark green leaves are held horizontally. They are approximately 60mm x 10mm with lamina tapering from about the middle of the apex.

Flowers
Henkel’s yellowwood is a gymnosperm and does not produce flowers.
Fruit
Male and female trees are separate. Male cones are 2-3cm long and are either borne separately or in clusters of up to 5. The female cones are not well developed, they are solitary and are borne on short stalks.
Seed
The seeds are round, approximately 25mm in diameter and are olive green.
 GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions
The beautiful Podocarpus henkelii grows naturally from the Eastern Cape right through to KwaZulu- Natal as well as into the northern KwaZulu- Natal Drakensberg.
Growing conditions
This lovely tree prefers moist conditions and does extremely well when planted in full sun in deep sandy soil, which is kept well mulched and watered.
Best season
 All year
Hardiness
Henkel’s yellowwood is moderately drought resistant and frost hardy.
Propagation
Podocarpus henkelii is propagated by seed but this can be quite tricky. Place seeds in moist sand and keep constantly warm and moist. Germination takes about 2 months.
Growth rate
 Average to slow depending on growing conditions.
 INTERESTING FEATURES
The elegant Podocarpus henkelii has the most beautiful timber of excellent colour and quality which has long been used for fine furniture and smaller wooden household items. The timber is not as widely used as that of the other yellowwood species however, as there is only a limited supply available.

  
                P. henkelli Leaves                  P. henkelii Cones                   P. henkelii Fruit

Monday, November 8, 2010

TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - November 2010













 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Support Global Wheeling - A Truly Innovative Cause!

This October Rudi and Leske were honoured to assist the Global Wheeling Foundation by sponsoring 100 trees toward their ‘Plant a Tree’ program, which is just one of the various environmental protection and empowerment initiatives that the Global Wheeling Foundation is actively involved in promoting.

Our trees were planted in a disadvantaged community within the Helderberg municipality at an inaugural ceremony which was also attended by our mayor.  

“TreeCo were so positive and willing to assist us and they will be continuing to support us with trees as much as possible in the coming months. Rudi and Leske have been absolutely terrific – really great”! Kerry Kleinhans – Global Wheeling.

What is the Global Wheeling Foundation?

The Global Wheeling Foundation is a South African based non profit organisation, working to uplift youths in disadvantaged communities through environmental education and the provision of used bicycles from European donors.

The bicycle is an eco-friendly alternative to motorised transport and by assisting those less fortunate through the donation of bicycles, the DISCOUNT CODE TSMD 0060 Global Wheeling Foundation aims to create a new generation of environmentally aware South Africans that will be able to help themselves by pedalling out of poverty.

The Global Wheeling Foundation has 4 exciting initiatives in place to ensure that they achieve their goal.

Global Bike Ride

Kayden Kleinhans (founder) is currently on an environmental pilgrimage through 40 countries to highlight the bike as a positive tool for change. Every km that Kayden rides can be sponsored, and all donations will be used towards empowerment and environmental initiatives.

Bums on Bikes


This initiative rewards youths for their environmental efforts through empowering them by providing them with a bicycle to use as transport.

Recycle a Bike

Those in more affluent countries (primarily Europe and the Americas) are encouraged to fill a container with second hand bikes. These bikes will be shipped to the Global Wheeling Foundation in Africa and distributed to disadvantaged communities.

Plant a Tree

The Global Wheeling Foundation is planting 2010 trees to commemorate the World Cup coming to Africa and put a long term measure in place that will assist to absorb carbon emissions.

They are in the process of planting fruit trees and indigenous trees in parks and at schools in disadvantaged areas in and around Cape Town.

In conjunction with the Global Bike Ride, every carbon free km sponsored will enable the team at Global Wheeling, working with Cape Town based NGO’s, to plant a tree. 10 carbon free km’s = 10 trees.

In addition, through this program, the Global Wheeling Foundation has created a platform to empower local street artists by employing them to design and make a wire tree which will be sent to those donors who have enabled the Global Wheeling Foundation to plant at least 10 trees.

Join the Cause and Support your Community!

At TreeCo we will continue to donate trees to this worthy cause and encourage all of you to join us in doing the same, so that together we can help to preserve our environment, while making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

For more information on the Global Wheeling Foundation, go to www.globalwheeling.org

Crazy year end specials!

During November, TreeCo will be giving away a selection of our trees at ridiculous prices!

Contact Rudi or Leske today to find out more about our totally crazy year end specials – we promise that you’ll be blown away!

Rudi – 082 829 5543
Leske – 072 385 0270

Spectacular Monthly Tree - Olea africana

Our Olea africana are looking fantastic with strong stems that don’t need staking. This attractive small evergreen tree with a short crooked trunk and dense, rounded crown is extremely hardy and can be grown anywhere. The sharply pointed leaves are dark green above and silvery grey underneath. The insignificant flowers are sweetly scented and are followed by berry-like fruit that are edible but not very tasty. The Wild olive is an excellent decorative garden subject for any area where conditions are really challenging, as it is drought and wind resistant, as well as frost tolerant.
 
Botanical NameOlea africana
Common Name                Wild olive               
Bag Size 50 lt
Quantity Available 150
Average Tree Height
& Trunk Thickness
2.2m 
3cm 
 
 
 
 
 
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.
 
Looking Good List for November 2010

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Looking Good List every month. 

Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.
 
Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Looking Good List.
 
This document is available as a PDF document and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer, please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.
 
 

Celtis africana (White Stinkwood)

The lovely Celtis africana is undoubtedly one of our most popular and successful indigenous trees as is testified by it’s extensive use in parks and gardens. This beautiful deciduous, medium sized tree has a single straight trunk and forms a fine, dense canopy making it an effective and sought after shade tree. In spring, the White stinkwood looks absolutely lovely when the tender new, light green leaves contrast beautifully with the attractive pale bark. A willing grower, this rewarding tree needs little care and even does well in areas that experience frost.
 
 BASIC TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name
Celtis africana
Common Name
White stinkwood
Genus
Ulmaceae
RSA National Tree No’
39
 LANDSCAPING USES
Celtis africana is a perfect choice for any area where a fast growing and very attractive shade tree is required. In a large garden, plant the lovely White stinkwood on the North West side of the house where it will provide cooling shade in summer while letting the sun through to warm the house in winter. This is an excellent subject for planting in a large tub in a courtyard garden adding interest throughout the year. As Celtis africana is so fast and easy to grow it is ideal for areas where quick shade is required, making it popular for hot parking areas and street planting as well as for parks and other public areas. The flowers of the White stinkwood attract bees to the garden in spring while the berry-like fruit provide food for a large variety of fruit-eating birds.
 TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height
10m – 12m
Spread
3m – 5 m
Deciduous/Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Habit
Celtis Africana is found in extremely diverse habitats including dense forest, bushveld and open grassland, mountain slopes, rocky outcrops and kloofs as well as river banks and coastal dunes.
Bark
On younger trees the bark is smooth, pale grey to white while on older trees the bark is loosely peeling, occasionally with horizontal ridges.
Foliage
The dull green leaves 15-100 x 10-50mm, are sparsely or densely covered with hairs and are simple, alternate and triangular with 3 distinct veins from the base. The upper 2/3rd of the margin is toothed. 
Flowers
The inconspicuous, star shaped greenish flowers appear in spring. The male and female flowers appear on the same tree, the male flowers appearing at the base of the leaves while the female or bisexual flowers appear in the leaf axils.
Fruit
 The masses of berry-like fruit on 13mm stalks,  follows the flowers from October to February and, as the fruit ripens, changes colour from yellow to brown and then to black.
Seed
The round seeds are brown and are usually distributed by birds that feed on the berries..
 GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions
The popular White stinkwood is widespread throughout South Africa and Africa and occurs from the Cape Peninsula and North through Africa to Ethiopia.
Growing conditions
The versatile Celtis africana will do well in almost any soil type and when planted in warm areas will do extremely well with the addition of compost or well rotted manure and sufficient water.
Best season
 Summer
Hardiness
This useful tree is frost resistant and fairly drought resistant.
Propagation
White stinkwood seeds germinate very successfully and the seedlings grow rapidly.
Growth rate
 Fast, young trees can grow between 1 – 2m per year.
 INTERESTING FEATURES
The White stinkwood is not related to the true stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) but derived it’s name from the lightly coloured wood and the unpleasant smell of the freshly cut parts of the tree. The yellowish to white wood is of medium hardness, strong and polishes well. It is used for shelving, yokes, tent bows and furniture. Indigenous peoples have long used Celtis africana for a variety of household objects and believe that it has magical properties.
  
                  C.africana Bark                        C.africana Fruit                   C.afrcana Leaves

Monday, October 4, 2010

TreeCo becomes Cyber-active on Facebook!

Facebook is now seen as virtually the most commonplace forum for friends and family to keep in touch. 


Over the last two years however, more and more business are using Facebook, as well as other social networking tools to connect with their customers. 


Why bother you may ask? The answer is simple – we are able to keep you informed quickly, easily – and most importantly – personally, as Rudi and Leske will be posting regular updates to our Facebook page. 


So what information will we be sharing with you? 


Tips and Tricks – handy tips from Rudi and Leske regarding how to plant and care for trees Inspiration – inspiring words that will make your day! 


Spectacular Trees – Trees that are looking particularly good – in addition to what we feature in this newsletter.
Events – Special invitations to events that you would find valuable 


Gallery – Regularly updated, the gallery will let you see the nursery, beautiful trees and other stunning imagery
So become a fan of TreeCo on Facebook today – we would love to see you there! 


Click on the Facebook Badge below to join us!

Prepare your Trees for Summer!

Now that spring is here it is vitally important to prepare your trees now to ensure strong and healthy growth throughout summer.
Here are a few essential tips from the TreeCo team:-
  • Cultivation to within about 2m of the trunk of the tree should be kept to a minimum as deep cultivation can damage the roots.
  • Loosen the soil around the tree carefully and sprinkle the manufacturer’s recommended quantity of organic fertiliser around the tree, preferably out to the drip line. Rapid Raiser and Bounceback, which are organic fertilisers, are both good options.
  • Rake the fertiliser in and water the area thoroughly ensuring that the water penetrates the soil as deeply as possible. Do not allow fertiliser to touch the trunk of the tree.
  • Cover the area with a thick layer of organic material such as compost or milled bark to help keep weeds to a minimum, conserve moisture in the soil and to supply the tree with continual nutrients as the mulch breaks down. Once again, the mulch should not touch the trunk as this can cause damage.
The mulch should be regularly replenished throughout the growing season and the trees should be given adequate water DISCOUNT CODE TSMD0050 on a regular basis. By following these simple guidelines your trees will reward you with lush and healthy growth all summer long.
Consultation and Advise
Rudi and Leske are always available to assist you in providing information regarding growth problems, pest problems – or other concerns that you may be experiencing regarding your trees. Give Rudi a call on 082 829 5543, or Leske on 072 385 0270 with any queries you may have, or alternatively email us at info@treeco.co.za.  

TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - October 2010





Spectacular monthly tree - Populus simonii

Our Populus simonii are looking so spectacular at the moment that we are featuring this amazing tree in our monthly review as well! Although this lovely tree is not indigenous, it is superbly suited to our local climate and provides an interesting alternative to some of our hardy indigenous trees. Unlike some of the other poplars, Populus simonii does not sucker, making it suitable for almost any urban situation where a tree with beautiful luxuriant growth, yet requiring little maintenance, is sought. For more detailed information on this remarkable tree visit this month’s tree review.
Botanical NamePopulus simonii
Common Name                Chinese poplar                
Bag Size 200 lt
Quantity Available 80
Average Tree Height
& Trunk Thickness
4m 
4-5cm 
 
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.
Looking Good List for October 2010

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Looking Good List every month. 

Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.
Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Looking Good List.
This document is available as a PDF document and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer, please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.

Populus simonii (Chinese poplar)

Populus simonii is well known throughout the greater Cape Town area where the appearance of the profusion of decorative catkins and the delicate green of the new leaves, heralds the arrival of spring.

Although this charming tree is not indigenous, it is particularly well suited to the often difficult growing conditions in this area, especially the long, hot and dry summers as well as the gale force winds. The non suckering Chinese poplar, has a lovely, neat, rounded crown of shiny green foliage which turns bright yellow in autumn before being shed in winter. The somewhat delicate appearance of this attractive tree belies it’s extreme hardiness and ability to adapt to the most unfavourable conditions. In China, Populus simonii has been extremely successfully used for the reforestation of large areas of desert, in spite of severe winters with heavy snow and hot dry summers with searing temperatures in excess of 40 degrees as well as continuous strong winds.



BASIC TREE DETAILS

Botanical Name
Populus simonii
Common Name
Chinese poplar
Genus
Salicaceae
RSA National Tree No’
Exotic

LANDSCAPING USES

The beautiful Chinese poplar is a lovely addition to almost any type of garden as it lends interest throughout the year, changing  it’s appearance as each new season approaches. This is an excellent specimen tree on a large lawn, or showcase the wonderful uniform growth habit to it’s best advantage by creating an eye catching avenue along a driveway, or even as an effective windbreak along a fence line. As the Populus simonii is so hardy it is a perfect choice for any public area where difficult growing conditions prevail. For seaside gardens with harsh drying winds and sandy soil, Chinese poplar will reward the homeowner with fast, lush growth as well as binding the soil and offering protection for less hardy plants. Several butterfly larvae feed off this tree.

TREE SPECIFICATIONS

Height
8m – 15m
Spread
2m – 6m
Deciduous/Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Habit
Populus simonii is found in mountainous regions as well as low lying plains and valleys, often near rivers and streams.
Bark
The bark of young trees is smooth, white to greenish or dark grey often with conspicuous lenticles. On older trees the bark is dark grey, rough and fissured.
Foliage
The ovate to lanceolate dark green leaves, are arranged spirally with a long, flattened petiole. In general the leaves on the side shoots are smaller than those on the stronger growing lead shoots. 
Flowers
The flowers appear in early spring and are borne in long drooping catkins which are formed in the axils of the previous year’s leaves. The male flowers comprise a group of 4-6 stamens inserted on a disc. The filaments are short and pale yellow with oblong purple or red anthers. They are bi-celled and open longitudinally. The female flowers consist of a single celled ovary seated in a cup-shaped disc. The catkins lengthen considerably between pollination and maturity.
Fruit
 The fruit consists of a green to reddish-brown valved capsule that matures in mid summer.
Seed
The numerous minute light brown seeds are surrounded by tufts of long soft hairs which aid wind dispersal.

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

Growing regions
Populus simonii is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere but is particularly common in South- East China where it originates.
Growing conditions
The versatile Chinese poplar enjoys moist conditions but will do equally well in dry, sandy soils, especially if good compost and a thick mulch are added.
Best season
 Summer
Hardiness
This hardy tree can withstand a wide range of conditions including frost and severe drought.
Propagation
Populus simonii can be propagated from seed but this takes a long time. The easiest and quickest method of propagation is from soft wood cuttings that have been treated with a little growth hormone, planted in river sand and kept moist.
Growth rate
 Fast, 1m per year.

INTERESTING FEATURES

 During the renaissance in Italy, the most popular wood used for panel paintings was poplar, in fact, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is painted on a poplar panel. Most of the famous paintings by well known artists from this period are painted on poplar panels.
As a timber, poplar is used to make pallets, plywood and even matches while the pulp is used in paper making. Poplar logs are used for growing Shiitake mushrooms.

                       










                            P.simonii Bark                                P.simonii catkins                                 P.simonii Leaves