Friday, May 14, 2010

Have you Downloaded Our Portfolio of Services?

The TreeCo Portfolio of Services provides you with all the information you need about our company in a colourful, graphically appealing format that has been designed to be a pleasure for you to browse through. If you have not already done so, be sure to download and save our Portfolio of Services by clicking on the link below.
 
Please CLICK HERE to download our Portfolio of Services. 
 
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Has YOUR Landscape Been TREECO'ed?

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 PIC OF THE MONTH!

 
This month we would like to show you just how big some of our 1000lt trees are!
 
 

Two Cities, Two Stadia - Looking Absolutely Stunning!


Rudi and Leske would like to take this opportunity to thank the Landscape Architects and Landscape Installation Contractors at the new Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town stadia for affording TreeCo the opportunity to supply them with trees for these prestigious projects. We are truly honoured to be able to have the opportunity to watch as our trees flourish for years to come at these world-class venues!
 
The Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) Stadium

Mike Nowick of Ulterior Designs, who compiled the Landscape Design for the Port Elizabeth stadium, was involved in sourcing suitable suppliers for large trees at the stadium. Of the suppliers that Mike had contacted, he was immediately impressed by Rudi and Leske’s enthusiasm and helpfulness, as well as the excellent value for money that TreeCo’s trees could provide. It is based on his experience with TreeCo that Mike advised Phil Pautz of Top Turf, who was to complete the Landscape Installation, to utilise TreeCo.
As new clients of TreeCo, both Mike and Phil were blown away when Rudi made arrangements to personally visit the stadium site in Port Elizabeth so that he could familiarise himself with the scope of the design and growing conditions and thereby assist in supplying suitable trees for the project. From selection, through quotation, ordering and transportation/delivery, Phil was highly complementary of the service he received from Rudi and Leske.
Phil mentioned that when he received the trees they all looked fantastic; precisely matching the quality of the trees in the photo’s that Rudi had previously sent. Maintaining professionalism is very important within a tight knit industry such as the green industry and Phil says he has really enjoyed working with TreeCo as he values their integrity and transparency, as well as their commitment to delivering outstanding value for money and their highly attentive level of personalised service. Phil is looking forward to developing a long standing relationship with TreeCo.
The trees at the Port Elizabeth stadium are looking superb and Top Turf has already received a number of compliments on them.
The Cape Town Stadium
Richard Matheson of OvP was the Landscape Architect for the Cape Town stadium where TreeCo was fortunate to be chosen as one of the suppliers of trees. He says that the suppliers and the trees that he chose had to meet stringent criteria with regard to quality, size and value for money – all of which comes standard at TreeCo.
Richard, who has utilised TreeCo trees within numerous projects over the years, says that TreeCo is an absolute pleasure to work with as they are always open and ready to impart any relevant information with regard to the trees and their quality. Their service is excellent and their deliveries are reliably on time, not to mention the great (and rather legendary) cup of coffee you are offered when you visit them at the nursery!
Grant Barret from Eco Creations, who completed the Landscape Installation at the Cape Town stadium, also commended TreeCo on the superb standard of their product and their outstanding service. Grant has worked with Rudi and Leske for 3 years and has developed an excellent rapport with them and says that he can always depend on TreeCo to go the extra mile, regardless of the circumstances.

 

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as seen from across the lake...
A close-up shot of the architecture at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium...
View of the Cape Town Stadium from the ocean...

View of Cape Town Stadium at night from a vantage point in Green Point...

Spectacular Monthly Tree - May 2010

The Euclea natalensis is a small to medium sized tree with a somewhat spreading crown of glossy, dark green leaves and is adaptable to a variety of habitats. The sprays of small greenish white flowers are heavily scented while the red, berry–like fruit are greatly sought after by birds. The Natal Guarri is an ideal tree for coastal gardens where it can be used as a specimen or to create a windbreak as it is able to withstand strong salt laden winds and can adapt to poorer soils. To obtain the best results however, regular watering and feeding is advised. This tree is an excellent indigenous choice for a large container on a patio or at an entrance. Twigs from the Euclea natalensis have long been used by indigenous peoples as toothbrushes while the juice from the boiled roots is used medicinally, as well as for dying palm mats black.

Botanical Name
Euclea natalensis
Common Name                Natal Guarri
Bag Size 50 lt 
Quantity Available 200
Average Tree Height
& Trunk Thickness
2.5m 
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 May 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.

Ficus natalensis - Natal Fig

The dense, dark green, drooping canopy of the magnificent Ficus natalensis makes it one of our finest indigenous shade trees. The size and growth habit of this handsome tree varies widely, depending on the climate and general growing conditions. In the Cape region for example, the Natal Fig has a neat single trunk and tends to be smaller than it’s counterparts growing in subtropical regions, where the canopy becomes far wider with a profusion of aerial roots and a buttressed trunk. The fruit or figs that are produced prolifically by these adaptable trees, while not suitable for human consumption, attract a great diversity of wildlife to the garden from birds to bats and a variety of insects. The versatile Ficus natalensis is wind and drought resistant and tolerates temperatures from -5C – 30+C.
BASIC TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name Ficus natalensis
Common Name Natal Fig
Genus
Moraceae
RSA National Tree No’  57
LANDSCAPING USES
If you are creating a shady area in a large garden, park or estate, Ficus natalensis should be your first choice. On the driest, hottest summer day, the dense shade of this superb tree will provide a cool haven in which to relax. The graceful weeping habit of this beautiful tree has great aesthetic appeal making it an excellent choice as a striking specimen tree. The Natal Fig can even withstand extremely dry conditions making it a suitable choice where regular watering is not always possible. Be sure to plant these trees away from buildings, walls and paved areas as the vigorous root system may cause damage.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height 5m-20m
Spread 4m-8m
Deciduous/Evergreen Evergreen
Growth Habit
Ficus natalensis occurs naturally in both moist woodland and dry open areas of the country.
Bark
The bark is quite smooth and dark grey, sometimes with thin aerial roots.
Foliage
The elliptic leaves of the Natal Fig are arranged spirally, alternate or sub-opposite and are quite variable, ranging in size 25-75 x 12-40mm. They are dark green, smooth and thinly leathery with a single midrib not quite reaching the apex and without a distinct pair of lateral veins at the base.
Flowers
The miniscule flowers are found inside the fruit and are pollinated by the fig wasp.
Fruit
The yellow - red fruit or small figs that occur from March to January are axillary on terminal branchlets and are either smooth or slightly hairy.
Seed
The tiny seeds are inside the fruit and are distributed by birds and other animals that feed on the figs.
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
  
Growing
regions

Ficus natalensis is found all along the eastern and south eastern coast of South Africa, as well as drier inland regions and north to Uganda and Kenya.
Growing conditions

The Natal Fig is easy to grow and likes a sunny or semi shaded position with a moderate amount of water.
Best season All year
Hardiness
The beautiful Ficus natalensis is drought tolerant and will even withstand some frost.
Propagation
The fastest and easiest means of propagation is from cuttings but the seeds also germinate readily.
Growth rate
Fast
INTERESTING FEATURES
Ficus natalensis is one of the most widely used species by Bonsai enthusiasts. The fat stem and intricately gnarled roots are perfect for achieving a variety of popular Bonsai styles. This species grows ’banyan’ roots naturally which can be showcased as dramatic air-root or root over rock styles. The Natal Fig grows fast and is quite forgiving if incorrect watering methods are applied, making this the ideal choice for the novice enthusiast.