Care for the trees you cannot replace.
Shot hole borer treatment and complete tree and plant care, anywhere in South Africa.
Shot hole borer treatment
A beetle about 2 mm long bores into the tree and farms a fungus, Fusarium euwallaceae, in its tunnels. The fungus feeds its young and blocks the water the tree needs. It is most of our work.
How to spot it
- In the canopy. One limb thinning or dying before the rest.
- On the bark. Clusters of pen-tip holes on the trunk and branches.
- At the holes. Sap, dark staining, a white sugary crust or fine sawdust.
How we treat it
- Assess. We inspect every tree on the property and only treat what needs treating.
- Treat. Registered products from Pan African Farms, reviewed every year because the beetle adapts.
- Look past your fence. We tell you which neighbouring trees need attention.
- Come back. A year later we return at no charge to reassess every tree.
Over 90% of the infested trees we have treated in Johannesburg are still standing. Our clients include Melrose Arch, Longmeadow Business Estate, Midstream Estate and Pepkor.
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Supplementation and nutrition
A tree under stress cannot fight off a beetle. We find the deficiencies behind poor growth and thin canopies, then feed a programme built for your soil and your species. Well-fed trees resist pests and disease better on their own.
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Tree diseases and fungus
Cankers, root rot, leaf spot, sooty mould. We diagnose on site, name the cause and treat it, rather than spraying the symptom and hoping.
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Soil testing and reporting
Laboratory analysis of your soil and a written report in plain language: what to correct, in what order, and what you can leave alone. No guesswork, and no products you do not need.
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Pest care
We identify the pest first, then treat it with the right product at the right time.
- Insects. Caterpillars, thrips.
- Beetles. Weevils, Christmas beetles.
- Mites and nematodes. Root-knot nematodes, spider mites.
- Sap-sucking pests. Aphids, leafhoppers.
- Other common pests. Armyworms, sawflies.
Lawn care
Fertilisation, weed control and pest management on a schedule, so the lawn stays green through the dry months instead of recovering from them.
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Cycad care and identification
Cycads are protected by law and often targeted by thieves. We identify the species, help with permits and compliance, and keep your cycads healthy.
Get a quoteQuestions we get asked
What is the polyphagous shot hole borer?
An ambrosia beetle about 2 mm long, native to south-east Asia. It bores into trees and farms a fungus, Fusarium euwallaceae, in its tunnels. The fungus feeds its young and blocks the tree's water transport. It was first found in South Africa in 2017, in the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg.
How do I know if my tree has it?
Look for one limb thinning or dying before the rest of the canopy, clusters of pen-tip holes on the trunk and branches, and sap, dark staining, a white sugary crust or fine sawdust around the holes. If you see these, send us photos on WhatsApp.
Can an infested tree be saved?
Often, if it is treated early. Over 90% of the infested trees we have treated in Johannesburg are still standing. Some heavily infested trees cannot be saved, and we tell you when that is the case.
Why do the neighbouring trees matter?
The beetle moves from tree to tree. One treated tree on an untreated street stays at risk, so we assess your whole property and tell you which neighbouring trees need attention.
Do you charge for an assessment?
Yes, on-site assessments are paid. Send us a WhatsApp message with your area and roughly how many trees you have, and we will give you the fee and a quote.
Where do you work?
Anywhere in South Africa, for homeowners, estates, businesses and municipalities.
Worried about a tree?
Send us a message and photos on WhatsApp. We will tell you what we see and what an assessment costs.
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