Spring in the Overberg is a striking season. Fynbos bursts into colour, fruit trees come back to life, and gardens shift from the...

A chainsaw is one of the most powerful tools a homeowner can own. It can turn a day’s worth of pruning into an afternoon’s work, or make...

A practical guide to protecting your property, your trees, and your peace of mind Proper tree pruning isn’t just about appearance. It’s...

Hiring a tree service in the Western Cape isn’t just about who can cut branches the fastest. Trees are part of your home’s long-term...

When winter rolls into the Overberg, the landscape changes pace. The air sharpens, the fynbos quiets, and the trees, especially our oaks,...

When winter settles over the Overberg, the whole landscape exhales. Growth slows. Sap drops. Branches show their true form. It’s the...

If you live in the Overberg, chances are you’ve got a few fruit trees tucked somewhere in your garden. Maybe it’s an old apricot that still bears each summer, or a young lemon that’s just starting to hold its fruit. Fruit trees are a gift; shade, pollinators, homegrown harvest. But they’re also magnets for pests. The Western Cape’s mild winters and long, warm seasons mean that many insects don’t die off between crops. They cycle year-round, finding easy food and shelter in ba

Most people think of a tree as what they see above ground, trunk, branches, leaves. But half of a tree’s life happens out of sight. And when those roots are disturbed or cut, the effects ripple far beyond the soil. Whether you’re dealing with roots lifting a driveway, blocking pipes, or creeping too close to a foundation, it’s important to know what’s really at stake before you dig. 1. The Role of Roots: The Hidden Half of Every Tree Roots do far more than just hold a tree up

In the Overberg, tree care quotes can vary wildly. One person offers to “sort it out” for R1 500 cash, while another sends through a detailed quote with safety notes, waste removal, and insurance details, at three times the price. It’s tempting to go with the cheaper option. After all, it’s “just trimming a few branches,” right? But here’s the truth: when it comes to trees, cheap work almost always costs more in the long run. 1. The “Bakkie Brigade” Problem Across South Afric

If your garden feels tired or your trees aren’t thriving like they used to, the answer often lies below the surface, in the life of your soil. Healthy soil isn’t just dirt. It’s a living system full of microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, and tiny organisms that keep nutrients moving and roots healthy. When they thrive, your plants do too. In the Overberg, where many soils are sandy, slightly acidic, and low in organic matter, building that living ecosystem takes intention and co

If your plants or trees are struggling, yellowing leaves, slow growth, or dry, compact soil, the problem often lies underground. In the Overberg, our soils are naturally sandy, slightly acidic, and quick to drain , which means nutrients and organic matter leach out faster than in richer inland soils. The good news? You can rebuild soil health naturally, with patience, the right materials, and a few simple habits. 1. Test and Balance Your Soil pH Before adding anything, start

If you own a home, a garden, or even just a bakkie, you’ll need a good knot sooner or later. Whether it’s hanging a hammock, tying down a load, supporting a tree branch, or securing something in windy Overberg weather, the right knot can make all the difference between safe and sketchy. Here are five simple, reliable knots every homeowner should know, no arborist training required. 1. Square Knot (Reef Knot) Best for:  joining two rope ends of the same thickness. This classic

Pepper trees are a familiar sight across South Africa, from driveways lined with feathery canopies to farm gardens bursting with red berries. The two most common types are the Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle)  and the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolia) . Both are fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and beautifully ornamental, but they can quickly become messy or invasive if not cared for properly. Here’s how to keep them healthy, safe, and well-shaped for years t

Trees, trees, trees! They're everywhere! And as a homeowner, you're probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Caring for your trees...

Avocado trees are a popular fruit tree in South Africa, but proper pruning is crucial for healthy growth and fruit production. This guide...

Sirex Woodwasp Background The Sirex Woodwasp is an invasive species in South Africa (first identified in South Africa in 1994). They are...

Tree diseases are common, yet we have found that most homeowners lack knowledge in this area. Here is some information on the most...

Lemon trees are a staple in many South African gardens, providing a bountiful harvest of tangy fruits and a beautiful addition to any...

Conifers are popular for South African gardens due to their low maintenance and year-round foliage. However, to keep your conifers...

Trees are a valuable addition to any property, providing shade, beauty, and wildlife habitat. However, when a tree becomes too big, it...