Erythrina lysistemon A proper look at a loud tree with a soft side I’ve spent a lot of time around coral trees. On sites. In gardens. On farms. In places where they work beautifully and places where they cause endless headaches. They’re one of those trees people fall in love with fast. Bright red flowers. Bare branches in winter. Big shape. Hard to miss. But like most things worth having around, you need to understand them first. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s just tree sense

Chainsaws are some of the most effective tools for property management, but they are also among the most dangerous when used incorrectly.  In South Africa, chainsaw-related accidents are far more common than most homeowners realise, ranging from deep lacerations and fractures to severe property damage. Add to this the risks of felling trees near homes or powerlines, and it’s clear why arborists treat chainsaw work with such caution. For Western Cape homeowners, this guide pro

Some years arrive gently. Some years build slowly. 2025 wasn’t loud, but it was full; of growth, of hard work, of moments that reminded us why tree care matters. Looking back now, it feels like a year made of steady hands, early mornings, good people, and trees that asked us to show up with patience and respect. Here’s what shaped us. The big milestones We became a fully equipped, self-sufficient operation This was the year we invested properly in our future, not just to grow

The Wild Plum is one of South Africa’s most versatile indigenous trees; tough and attractive. For Western Cape homeowners, it offers the rare combination of fast shade, ornamental value, and edible fruit. But like all strong growers, it comes with caveats. Planted correctly, it’s a long-term asset. Planted poorly, it can cause headaches. Here’s what you need to know about the Wild Plum ( Harpephyllum caffrum ). What is the Wild Plum? The Wild Plum ( Harpephyllum caffrum ) is

Trees are living systems, quietly holding your property, your water, and your biodiversity together. But no tree is invincible. The health of any tree depends on a chain of factors that begins in the soil, continues in its earliest seed stage, and carries through its life cycle with pruning, disease resistance, and care. When one part of this chain weakens, the whole system suffers. For homeowners in the Western Cape, understanding this chain is critical. The wrong soil can s

The Real Yellowwood ( Podocarpus latifolius ) is South Africa’s national tree and one of the most recognisable indigenous evergreens in the country. With a long lifespan, upright structure, and dark green foliage, it is valued in both natural forests and cultivated landscapes.  In the Western Cape, it is suitable for large gardens, formal avenues, and ecological plantings where long-term canopy cover is needed. Botanical Profile Scientific name : Podocarpus latifolius Common

November came in hot, saws humming, dust flying, and no signs of slowing down. The crew’s been all over the Overberg this month, wrapping big jobs, taking on new ones, and somehow still finding time to run a race. Hazard Clearing near McGregor 🌳 We kicked off the month with a proper challenge: hazard clearing of around 12 Eucalyptus globulus  trees around a camp near McGregor. Big frames, tight spaces, calm hands. It was one of those jobs that tests coordination and trust,

The White Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) is a protected heritage tree in South Africa, deeply rooted in our history, law, and coastal ecology. In the Western Cape, you’re a custodian, not just an owner: permits are required for major pruning or removal. Slow-growing, water-wise and wind-hardy, it offers dense evergreen shade, boosts biodiversity, and becomes a legacy feature in any coastal garden.

Climate change in the Western Cape isn’t a distant threat. It’s here. Droughts, heatwaves, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss are already reshaping our landscapes. But while the headlines focus on solar panels and water restrictions, one of the most powerful solutions stands quietly outside our doors: trees. Trees are more than shade or scenery. They’re frontline climate defenders, biodiversity anchors, and natural infrastructure. This guide unpacks how trees protect our reg

Keurboom tree showing off its pink spring flowers. If you own property in the Western Cape, chances are you’ve seen a Keurboom in full flower. Covered in mauve-pink blossoms, it’s one of the most striking indigenous trees in spring. But behind the beauty lies a practical truth: the Keurboom is a pioneer species.  That means it grows quickly, restores soil, and creates habitat, but it’s not built to last forever. For the conscious homeowner, this tree can be both a blessing an

In this line of work, there’s no room for gear that quits halfway. Tree work tests everything, from ropes to boots to batteries, and the tools that survive it earn our respect the hard way. We don’t back brands because they’re popular. We back them because they’ve proven themselves, job after job, under Overberg sun and wind. This is the kit we trust, the gear that’s been dragged through mud, hauled up canopies, and kept pace with real arborists doing real work. Clogger Chain

Spring came in hot, and we matched it stride for stride. September was about growth in every sense; hundreds of new trees on the move,...

The Waterberry ( Syzygium cordatum ) is one of South Africa’s most versatile indigenous trees; graceful, practical, and rich in...

The Waterpear ( Syzygium guineense ) is one of South Africa’s lesser-known indigenous gems. Closely related to the Waterberry, it shares...

Trees are some of the longest-living organisms on earth, but they can only thrive if their foundations are solid. In the Western Cape,...

The Wild Peach ( Kiggelaria africana ) is one of the most rewarding indigenous trees for Western Cape homeowners. Despite its name, it is...

The Coastal Silver Oak ( Brachylaena discolor ) is one of the toughest indigenous trees for Western Cape gardens. Known for its...

An indigenous favourite for property owners who want shade, structure, and zero stress. What is the Rhus Karee Tree? The Rhus Karee  (...

August pulled no punches. New equipment, big jobs, road trips, and the kind of momentum that makes us excited for what’s next. Winter...