Linmeyer resident shares love for yellowwood tree

LINMEYER resident Ernest Cassarino has a passion for growing the Outeniqua yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus, of the podocarpus falcatus family).

“At first it was a hobby, but it soon became a serious endeavour of mine, especially in the face of some threats it faces in its natural environment,” said Ernest.

This highly celebrated indigenous type of yellowwood has the kind of grandeur that adds a note of dignity to any garden or park. Its compact growth pattern lends itself particularly well to public spaces, complementing and enhancing good architecture. It’s a tree which is suited to the planting of avenues, but can also add grace to a private garden. It is fast growing and may reach up to 14m within 15 years. It is also suitable to grow as bonsai.

Ernest has grown lots of yellowwoods which have been grown in square-based cartons, which he says he’s found to be the most conducive manner to encourage good plant and root development as a tree, rather than a more bush-like structure.

“This system enables the purchaser to place the carton directly into the soil, as it is by nature bio-degradable. Removing the onus of shifting the saplings from one container to another is a definite plus, saving me many hours of labour. Once planted in the ground, the care of the yellowwood is low maintenance and requires a modest supply of water,” said Ernest.

Would you like to purchase a yellowwood?

Normally, Ernest charges R150 for a yellowwood, but as a special pre-Christmas promotion he is selling them for R100 each (please take this article with you should you wish to purchase a tree). He adds: “As an after-sales service I am available to advise you in the placing of the tree/s and to answer any other questions.”

For more information please contact Ernest on 083 256 7340 or email him at elc4t4@gmail.com