From forest to sawmill, our focus is on developing the finest pine for saw logs in KwaZulu-Natal. Evergreen Forestry is focusing more on two specific species of pine, the pinus patula and pinus elliotti, which delivers furniture and construction-grade lumber of exceptional quality.
Evergreen Forestry manages 6,200 hectares of planted forests across the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands, primarily growing pine and eucalyptus. The company’s focus is shifting to planting two species of pine in 18 and 24 year growth cycles to serve the company’s saw milling operation EGT, which outputs furniture and construction grade lumber.
Yorkville Estate is Evergreen Forestry’s 4,060 hectare plantation, set in the picturesque Giant’s Castle in the KZN Drakensberg. The estate was acquired in 2019 and currently has over 2,800 hectares under pine and eucalyptus.
Pinus patula, commonly known as Mexican weeping pine, is a species of pine native to the highlands of southern Mexico and Guatemala. It is a medium-sized coniferous evergreen tree, growing to 30–50 m tall. The bark is thin and scaly, with a red-brown color. The leaves are needle-like, 10–18 cm long, in fascicles of three, usually twisted and strongly glaucous blue-green in color. The cones are ovoid-cylindrical, 5–10 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, green at first, ripening yellow-brown when 18–20 months old, with thin, fragile scales.
Pinus patula is a good species for sawmilling because it is a hard, dense wood with a straight grain pattern, making it ideal for use in precision cutting and machining applications. It is also easy to work with and produces a good finish, making it an excellent choice for furniture-making and other woodworking projects.
Pinus elliottii, commonly known as the slash pine, is a species of pine native to the southeastern United States. It is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 80–115 ft (25–35 m). The slash pine has a straight trunk, broad crown, and coarse, yellow-green needles that are 3–5 in (7.5–13 cm) long. It is a popular choice for timber production and is drought tolerant.
Pinus elliottii and pinus patula are both native to the province of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa. These species of pine trees are adapted to the climatic conditions in the region, making them well-suited for timber production as well as for ornamental purposes. The trees have a number of desirable characteristics such as slow growth, dense foliage, and resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, they are used to control soil erosion due to their extensive root systems.
Strength: Pine lumber is strong and highly resilient, making it an ideal choice for construction and furniture-making.
Durability: Pine is a durable wood that can withstand years of use and abuse without showing signs of wear.
Workability: Pine is relatively easy to work with and can be cut, shaped, and stained to create a variety of projects.
Color: Pine has a distinctive yellowish hue that can be stained to create a range of colors.
Cost: Pine lumber is generally less expensive than other types of wood, making it a good choice for budget-conscious projects.
Pine is a good choice for construction timber because it is lightweight, strong, and easy to work with. It is also rot-resistant and can stand up to the elements. Additionally, pine is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice.
Good pine furniture is made from high-quality, well-milled solid pine wood that has been properly finished. It should be finished with a durable sealant to protect it from spills, scratches, and wear and tear. The joints should be tight and secure, and the hardware should be sturdy and rust-resistant. Good pine furniture should also be aesthetically pleasing, with smooth lines and a classic design.
Want to know more about Evergreen’s timber operations? Get in touch below and we’ll get back to you.
My View – 360.95ha
Evergreen Forestry is a vertically integrated, sustainably focused forestry company managing seven plantations across the KZN Midlands. Evergreen Forestry grows its own trees for pulp and sawmilling, with an increasing focus on the sawmilling value chain.
58
Permanent staff
4900ha
Hectares under management
200,000m³
