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'?

Another Valued TreeCo Client - Red Daffodil

Red Daffodil’s highly successful garden at Ruyterplaats Mountain Estate in Hout Bay is an excellent example of the type of project with which we have been able to assist Chris.

“This was quite a challenging site” says Chris, “It’s a steep bank that receives a fair amount of wind and although the trees were only planted in October, they have shown superb, vigorous growth. All Rudi’s trees are organically grown, a factor of very high value to us, and the fact that they don’t need to be staked is also of immense importance. TreeCo’s growing standards are quite unique in Cape Town in that respect. We like the fact that none of the trees are ever root bound in their bags and his stock is very competitive in the market when you compare the size of the trees, their bag size and TreeCo’s prices".

TreeCo is the only nursery in the Cape Town area where large (200kg) multi stemmed Olive trees can be found. Chris has used them in 2 gardens so far and is thrilled. “Both were situations where using a crane was not possible, but these multi-stemmed olives have provided us with the mature look we desired, while still being small enough to be moved by hand. Their growth is also fantastic once in the ground”.

"We have always loved the outstanding, personal service that has become synonymous with TreeCo. Rudi is completely honest about what stock he has available and, if he feels that the quality of the trees that I have requested is not yet up to standard he will spend time to advise me on alternative options, plus he has introduced me to a couple of new species I had not previously considered. Where delivery is concerned, TreeCo is 100% reliable; and they will go the extra mile to ensure I get my trees, even if I have given them only 24hrs notice. After completion, Rudi will follow up to check on the condition of the trees for months afterwards. No matter what project we are involved in, TreeCo works together with us like a partner as opposed to just being a supplier”.

A final word from TreeCo: Rudi and Leske would like to thank Chris for his feedback – we value all and any feedback we receive for clients as this assists us to hone our services and product range where required, as well as confirm whether we are on the right track or not. We thank all our clients again for their loyal support.

Remember that Rudi and Leske are simply a phone-call away should you require any information, or advice whatsoever. We always look forward to hearing from you!

Spectacular Monthly Tree - March 2010

The Sideroxylon inerme or White milkwood is a smallish, dark, evergreen tree and with its sturdy trunk and large, dense, rounded crown, is certainly one of our most beautiful shade trees. The upper surface of the leaves is a glossy dark green, whilst the underside is lighter. The leaves are broadly ovate with rounded tips and bases. Wherever leaves or branches are broken or cut a white, milky latex appears. Sideroxylon inerme is the only species of this genus that occurs in South Africa. Although this tree is not endangered it is protected, which means that no milkwood may be moved, damaged or felled. This is the famous “post office tree” of Mossel Bay which is a 600 year old specimen. Planted in a row, these trees create the most outstanding fire break, having the ability to stop a fire dead in its tracks. This superb foliage tree is an excellent choice for any garden.

Botanical Name Sideroxylon inerme

Common Name White milkwood

Size Available 50kg

Quantity in Stock 300

Average Tree Height 2,2m

Average Trunk Thickness 3cm

Botanical Name Sideroxylon inerme

Common Name White milkwood

Size Available 100kg

Quantity in Stock 100

Average Tree Height 3,0m

Average Trunk Thickness 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

Calodendrum capense - Cape Chestnut

Calodendrum capense is without doubt one of our loveliest ornamental and shade trees. Calodendrum is derived from the Greek language and literally means “beautiful tree”. This magnificent tree has a dense rounded crown and literally covers itself in lightly scented, spectacular pink flowers in spring and summer. Those of you who have driven along the Garden Route at this time of year must have noticed these splendid trees in the Knysna area, where they are so easily identifiable by their profusion of blooms. The Cape chestnut is not a true chestnut, the knobby fruit however is reminiscent of the edible chestnut. The leaves of this member of the citrus family give off a distinctly lemony fragrance when crushed and in autumn they turn a rich golden yellow before dropping to the ground.

BASIC TREE DETAILS

Botanical Name: Calodendrum capense

Common Name: Cape chestnut

Genus: Rutaceae

RSA National Tree No’" 256

LANDSCAPING USES

Whether your landscaping project requires an ornamental shade tree for street planting, a park, a residential or office development, or for a small or large garden, the Cape chestnut is a truly lovely choice. This striking tree has a completely non invasive root system and, when flowering, creates a captivating sight, making it a wonderful option for planting along driveways and pathways or near any other paved areas. As the Calodendrum capense is an extremely successful container subject, it can add variety and interest to even the smallest townhouse garden. The seeds of the Cape chestnut are eaten by cinnamon doves, rameron pigeons and Cape parrots and the tree is host to the beautiful swallowtail butterflies, namely the citrus swallowtail, the green banded swallowtail and the emperor swallowtail.

TREE SPECIFICATIONS

Height: 7 – 10m

Spread: 4 – 10m

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous

Growth Habit: Calodendrum capense occurs in Afromontane forest and occasionally in scrub or dry ravines.

Bark: The bark of the Cape chestnut is greyish and more or less smooth.

Foliage: The smooth, dark green leaves are simple, opposite and elliptical, 200 x 100mm with translucent gland dots. The edges are somewhat wavy and the margin is entire.

Flowers: Large pink, faintly sweet, scented flowers are borne in conspicuous terminal panicles from October to December. Each flower consists of 5 long, narrow pink petals alternating with 5 pale pink stamenoids that are conspicuously dotted with maroon glands.

Fruit: The rough fruit is green, maturing to a brown, 5 lobed capsule that splits open in late summer releasing the seeds.

Seed: Seeds are 1,5cm long, angled, oily, smooth and jet black.

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

Growing regions: Calodendrum capense occurs naturally all the way from Kenya to Cape Town along the coast and up to 2000m above sea level.

Growing conditions: The Cape chestnut should be planted in a large hole, 1mx1m to which ample compost and old kraal manure have been added. Keep well watered at first. Apply thick mulch in Spring.

Best season: Spring - Summer

Hardiness: This superb tree is semi – hardy and will tolerate light frost when mature but protect it from frost when young. Although the Cape chestnut can withstand some drought it is preferable to water the tree in very dry Summer weather.

Propagation: Calodendrum capense is easily propagated from ripe seed but will take about 6 years to flower. When propagated from cuttings the tree will flower a little sooner.

Growth rate: Slow to medium depending on the conditions.

INTERESTING FEATURES

Calodendrum capense has white to pale yellow timber which is fairly hard but bends easily. It is suitable for making tent bows, yokes, planking, shovel handles and a variety of furniture. The bark is used as an ingredient in skin ointments and is also sold as a traditional medicine. The well known Yangu oil is derived from the seed and is used extensively throughout Africa in skin care products and soap. The Xhosa believe that the seeds have magical properties. Hunters tied the seeds around their wrists as this was believed to bring skill and good luck.