Our trees

We are a forestry company and the trees are the foundation of our business. It is from the trees we receive profits that we share with you as a customer. We plant the trees in the semi-desert of East Africa. The tree species we choose grow naturally in that part of the world.

The local conditions, such as the climate, make the trees grow rapidly. Some species produce annual crops a few years after they have been planted. These trees generate revenue in the short term. Other species are cultivated for the properties of the timber provided by the fully-grown trees. They generate revenue after about 20 years. We also plant species that protect, or interact with, the other trees. They contribute to the optimal development of all trees.

It is the sale of the annual harvest, and of the timber from the felled trees, which yields profit. The profit is a prerequisite for us to be able to develop our business. We share a part of the profit with our tree buyers around the world.

• Read more about the profit distribution here →

Mukau – African mahogany

Primarily we plant a tree that is called Mukau in Swahili. The Latin name is Melia volkensii. Originally, it grew wild in Kenya and some of the neighboring countries. Mukau is unique because it thrives in dry semi-desert areas while providing a very high quality wood. It is in many ways similar to the well-known Mahogany tree.

Botanically speaking, Mukau is the same species as Mahogany. It has all the commercial uses that the mahogany tree has. Moreover, it is fast growing and is expected to be harvested after 20 years.

In order to get exclusive timber when the trees are felled, we are committed to manage the plantations in a sustainable manner. Our trees should be able to replace the trees that are currently harvested unsustainably in different rainforests. When control of the export of trees from rainforests increases, a shortage of trees is expected to occur on the world market. It provides space for the high-quality wood that we produce.

Producing cultivable Mukau-plants has previously been very costly. It has therefore been difficult to gain profitability in a commercial forestry operation with these trees. We have developed an effective method. Both time and financial expenditures have significantly decreased . Therefore we are now able to produce cultivable Mukau-plants in a fast and cost-effective manner.

• Read more about the Mukau tree and see more videos with our forest expert →

Acacia Senegal – a rubber tree

Acacia Senegal is a tree variety we plant with the aim of generating annual revenue. Already after four years, the tree’s hardened sap, Gum Arabic, can be harvested. By refining the sap and then selling it, these trees yield income for many years.

The sap, Gum Arabic, is also known as Acacia gum.

It can be used in many ways. Dissolved in water, it can be used as paper glue. In watercolor paints it is often used as a binder. It is used in foods such as chewing gum, soft drinks and pastries because it is taste-neutral, contains many minerals and has other desirable properties. The food industry refer to this substance as code E414.

The tree has a deep root system and it thrives well in dry areas. It gives a good harvest for 25 to 30 years.

Some of our other trees

To succeed with our tree plantations, we always take into account which trees thrive in the specific environment in which they are to grow. This means that we have a number of tree species we choose between to adapt the cultivation to each individual plant site. As previously mentioned, we also take into account that certain trees should yield harvest and thus provide a return in the short term. Other trees are planted primarily for the properties of the timber it provides.

We plant apple mango trees with the purpose of harvesting and refining the fruits and then we sell them. Casuarinat trees are planted as windshields around the plantations. At the time of writing (2017/2018) we try to find out how the neem tree thrives best. It is a tree that is considered to have many healing properties.

Donate to help plant trees and reduce poverty

We invite you to make a difference in East Africa and contribute to a better world. Our trees are managed in an ethical, sustainable, and long-term way. Click on the link to our shop and make a socially responsible and sustainable donation today. It feels great to help others!

• Start your monthly donations or make a one-time donation for a better future