Arborist's Blog

We believe knowledge about trees and nature should be free.

This blog exists to make tree care simple, honest, and accessible without the noise. Too many companies overcomplicate the basics to sell products or services. We'd rather empower homeowners with clear, practical information that helps you understand and care for your own trees, confidently.

Here we have a collection of over 80 in-depth blogs with the sole purpose of being ridiculously helpful to you, our readers.

5 Useful Knots Every Homeowner Should Know

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

Client Education

Apr 28, 20232 min read

How to Take Care of Pepper Trees in South Africa

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

Indigenous & Iconic Trees

Apr 5, 20233 min read

The Homeowner’s Guide to Healthy, Safe Trees in South Africa

Your trees are part of your home. They shape your garden, give shade, add value, and create the kind of space you actually want to live in. But trees also need care, and knowing what to do (and when to call a professional) can save you money, prevent damage, and keep your property safe. This guide covers the essentials every South African homeowner should know about planting, caring for, and removing trees safely . 1. Planting Trees: How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Pro

Tree Planting & Biodiversity

Mar 29, 20233 min read

How to Prune Avocado Trees in South Africa: A Simple Homeowner’s Guide

Avocado trees grow well in South Africa, but they only stay productive when they’re pruned correctly. The right cuts improve sunlight, airflow, fruit quality, and long-term tree health. Poor or irregular pruning can lead to dense canopies, disease, reduced harvests, and structural weakness, especially as the tree gets older. This guide walks you through when and how to prune your avocado tree , and what to look out for in our South African climate. Why Pruning Matters Pruning

Tree Care Basics

Mar 8, 20232 min read

Hemel en Aarde: Sirex Woodwasp Pine Survey Report

What we found in the pines and what needs to happen next Pines are part of the Hemel en Aarde landscape. They give shelter from wind, they frame farms, they hold soil, and they keep certain valleys feeling like home. But there is a pest in the Western Cape that is quietly turning healthy pine stands into brittle, dangerous timber. It is the Sirex Woodwasp. And it is here. What the Sirex Woodwasp does The Sirex Woodwasp is an invasive species in South Africa. It was first ide

Tree Risk & Safety

Mar 1, 20234 min read

The Basics of Common Tree Diseases in the Western Cape

Tree problems are common in the Western Cape. What we find though is most homeowners do not know what they are looking at until the tree is already stressed. Here are a few of the most common reasons we see behind poor tree health and what to watch for. Choking the tree One of the most common reasons a tree dies, even when it is being watered, is planting it too deep. This happens when soil or compost is piled up over the original root ball. The trunk base stays damp, the cam

Tree Risk & Safety

Feb 22, 20234 min read