May Recap: Big Trees, Great Gardens & What’s Coming Next

May was about momentum. Autumn hit the Overberg properly, and we hit the ground running - busy days, colder mornings, and a lot of chainsaw time. Here’s a look at what went down last month.

Autumn Work, Done Right

Less sap, more visibility - May is one of the best months to do structural pruning.

We tackled thinning, deadwooding, and a few trees that had started leaning too far into risk territory.

Autumn also gives us space to check in on trees that have been quietly struggling.

Cracks, cavities, dead leaders - things that get missed when there’s too much leaf cover.

If it’s been a while since you last had your trees looked at, now’s the time.

I Need To Get My Trees Checked Out

Napier (Home Ground) Highlight: A Garden with a Long Game

One of our favourite projects this month was in Napier. An older garden with real investment behind it - trees that have been looked after properly by us for a long time.

We weren’t correcting problems; we were refining structure, clearing cross-branches, and thoughtfully shaping to protect the space's long-term health.

It’s the kind of work that feels like collaboration with the client and the garden.

Trees, Planted - and Named

We also got to do something a little more personal this month: tree planting.

The client asked us to plant new trees on their property, and afterwards, they decided to name them after our team members who did the job: André, Francois, and Barry.

They’re in the ground now, standing tall (like our dudes). Call it a tribute, call it good humour - but either way, we’re backing those trees to thrive.

Something Big Is Dropping Soon

We’re finalising something we’ve wanted to put out for a long time - our Western Cape Tree Guide.

It’s practical, visual, and made specifically for this region. Whether you’ve got a small garden or a large plot, this guide will help you understand your trees and how to manage them right.

Launch is around the corner. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook so you don’t miss it.

Quick Reminder: Winter Is Tree Season

Winter isn’t downtime for trees - and it shouldn’t be for you, either.

With reduced sap flow and better branch visibility, now’s the time to get your pruning, removals, and structure assessments done.

Waiting until summer might feel intuitive, but it’s not strategic.

Client Words That Hit Home

"I have 3 new Wild Peach and 3 new Wild Plum trees planted with great care and attention to detail here at the Southern tip of Africa. The trees are a little bigger than expected which is great. I've named the tallest one Andre and two others Barry and Francois. Thanks guys I look forward to seeing them flourish, but thrilled with them and your professionalism."

- Glenn Castle

"First star for keeping me informed about arrival time

Second star for comprehensively explaining what would be done

Third star for completing the work neatly and quickly, with no damage to surrounding beds.

Fourth star for clearing up every single bit of leaf and branch

Fifth star for giving me advice on care, and advising on other trees which I was worried about." - Penelope Paddick

Until Next Month 🌍

Wherever you’re reading this - from the Western Cape to Winnipeg - thanks for keeping up with us.

Arboriculture is local, but its principles are global: care for trees, and they’ll care for you.

Catch you in the canopy

The Overberg Arborists Team