my tree - Treeme

One tree at a time – operating successfully
“THOSE WHO PLANT A TREE,
WILL GAIN HEAVEN.”
Confucius
3
MY TREE ...
... IS GROWING FASTER
YOU SHOULD READ THIS
”TREEME – MY FAIR TREE ASSETS“:
THE FUTURE OF YOUR CAPTIAL IS ECOLOGICAL
Responsible people like yourself want security
and are concerned about nature at the same
time. They not only ask how they can protect
the Earth, but also how they can intelligently
invest their money. We will show you that a
secure financial foundation and active nature
conservation go hand in hand. With “Treeme”,
you will discover a new perspective, one which
focuses on personal, financial aspects along
with sustainability and the beauty of nature.
The Earth is our most natural asset – there­fore
we have been searching for new and meaning­
ful forms of environmental investments. In
doing so, we found a way to sustainably support
nature and still make a profitable return. And
so “Treeme – My Fair Tree Assets” was born:
Everyone should have their own tree to touch
and embrace. We did not find a similar concept,
so we decided to take matters into our own
hands – from seedling up to the harvest.
Trees touch us emotionally. They look majestic
and awaken childhood memories. As the name
evokes, “Treeme” means that it is your trees,
which you buy and which you, or we acting on
your behalf, resell after the harvest. You are
not acquiring anonymous and obscure funds or
shares, but real, tangible nature. You can touch
your trees at any time, watch your property
grow and strengthen the environment at the
same time. “Treeme”, these are your Fair Tree
Assets. Fair to your wallet and fair to the Earth.
This investment guaranties both value and
sustainability. That’s something you can be
proud of. The savings book from your grand­
father’s day is a thing of the past. When you
invest your money into trees, you are doing
good. In every respect.
“Treeme” focuses on Paulownia timber and
its outstanding quality as a tropical and
extremely durable precious hardwood. It is
used for interior fittings and for furnishing
luxury yachts and premium cruise ships. It is
found in the sophisticated interiors of light­
weight, private planes. It provides the base
material for the construction of exquisite
furniture and high-quality home accessories.
The high-grade raw material refines surfaces
and floors, and is used in the production of
valuable musical instruments.
Touch the nearest tree. Feel the structures
of the bark and the fibres of the leaves. Your
trees live and breathe. There cannot be a more
beautiful and more secure piece of property.
Take a step back from the ordinary and support
the greatest treasure of the Earth: our nature
and her lofty trees. Join us on an exciting
journey. In the sections of this brochure, you
can experience the growth of a Paulownia tree,
from a small shoot up to a 12-year old tree.
Make a change and add an ecological value
to your asset.
Yours sincerely,
Wolfgang Goese
Green Wood International AG
5
MY TREE ...
... IS PROFIT TO TOUCH
THAT'S THE POINT
WOOD GROWS – YOUR PROFITS DO, TOO
We are fascinated by the beauty of wood. Its
surface radiates warmth and the structures
spark our imagination. Its stability provides
security and protection. There’s no doubt – life
without wood is virtually inconceivable. Since
the earliest days of mankind, the properties and
versatility of this raw material have provided
and increased the comforts of everyday life.
Regardless of the sector, e.g. the furniture
industry, construction, skilled crafts and trade,
or energy service providers: wood meets the
ever-growing demand and requirements in a
wide range of economic sectors. In addition to
oil and gas, wood is one of the most soughtafter raw materials in the world.
THE PROJECT: KNOCK ON WOOD
“Treeme” is an innovative model for sustainable
investment and embodies transparent, environ­
mental, economic and social values. In short:
“Treeme” means responsibility for the future
of our planet.
There’s no better way to spend money than on
trees. As long as trees are planted legally rather
than felled illegally, they represent an unlimited
renewable resource with increasing value. With
“Treeme”, you have discovered a way to combine
financial and nature conservation interests.
Finally, you can do something good for both the
environment and your wallet. And this is how
it works: With “Treeme”, you can become the
owner of Paulownia trees and grow your assets
as well as your trees. We plant your trees in
environmentally-friendly, specially established
plantations in Central Europe. As a tree investor,
after the harvest, you profit from the sale of
the high-quality, precious raw material on the
timber market at current prices.
DEVELOPMENT PHASES OF THE TREE AT A GLANCE
Cutting of
the clone
Transition of the seedlings into the ground
Plants
with buds
Growth at
4 months *
Growth at
8 months *
Growth at
12 months *
* Growth period from April to November on the plantation
7
THE TREE: PAULOWNIA – YOUR GROWTH SPECIALIST
It is not known whether nature has a perfect
tree. But one thing is certain: the Paulownia
tree comes pretty close to this ideal. It is known
as the turbo of fine wood, because it grows at a
tremendously fast rate. A comparison: whereas
native oaks take at least 60 to 80 years to reach
a similar size, the Paulownia tree can be used for
timber processing after only 12 years.
And the accessibility makes your property
really "tangible". This means you can establish
a living relationship with your trees. After
the trees are planted on the respective
plantation, you will be kept up-to-date on
the development status of your trees using
the latest GPS (Global Positioning System)
technology and can keep watch online.
In addition, this top-quality wood has no serious
natural enemies and is very robust. With proper
care, Paulownia trees are less sensitive to
dam­­­­age from water, heat, frost and wind. The
technical hardness and strength, relative to
the density, are twice as high as oak, at about
half the weight. The ignition temperature of
Paulownia is above 400 °C, with oak being
around 275 °C.1 This means Paulownia wood
can be classified as fire retardant; the risk
of a forest fire is there­fore relatively unlikely.
Your trees don’t need much to develop and grow
optimally. In terms of soil, the Paulownia tree
is relatively undemanding. It prefers moderately
dry soil that is not too low in nutrients. A
shelter­ed and fairly sunny location is ideal.
Initially, it is still frost-sensitive and needs a lot
of care. With our tried and tested 2-year growth
strategy, we ensure the greatest possible
protec­­tion and help the little tree grow strong
new sprouts following the pruning of frozen
shoots and quickly become hardy for the winter.
Paulownia trees also do well in our latitudes.
Areas in central and southern Germany, France,
Italy, Greece and Spain provide ideal growing
conditions.
AN EXAMPLE: COUNT ON PAULOWNIA
8
After extensive on-hands experience with
Paulownia trees grown in our climate and the
precise observation of the timber market price,
we can forecast the expected yield as follows
(example calculation, no guarantee):
bring in €393,750.2 Add to this €14,400 for
the crown wood, which is sold as wood fuel.
This results in total proceeds of €408,150,
corresponding to an increase in value of
around 112%.
600 Paulownias are planted on one hectare
of land at the age of 2 years old. After a total
of 12 years (2 plus 10 years), each tree has an
average trunk volume of 0.75 cubic metres.
This yields a total volume of 450 cubic metres
per hectare. If the average selling price for
European hardwood in 2011 is taken as a basis,
which is assumed to be €875 per cubic meter,
then the sale of all of the trunk wood would
Please note: This sample calculation works
with the average timber price that was paid
for a cubic meter of hardwood in 2011.3 In the
same period, the top price for best quality
Paulownia timber was between €1,700 and
€2,000 per cubic meter.4 It can be assumed that
the timber price will continue to rise on the
world market.5 And thus the returns from your
personal Fair Tree Assets, too, of course.
THE PLANTATIONS:
THE ONLY RISK YOU TAKE WITH US IS TAKING A LOOK
Increasing demand – decreasing supply: the
wood from our plantations is a perfect match
for this. The constant thriving of the trees
tended with loving care offers a reassuring
continuity, thus making the investment crisisproof and reliable. Targeted cultivation is the
natural response to rampant, global forest
deforestation. The best growing conditions
for your trees prevail in our plantations.
Planned certification by the Forest Steward­
ship Council system (FSC) is an indication that
our plantations are managed in compliance
with strict environmental, social and economic
stan­­d­ards. These include the sustainable,
eco-friendly and gentle, protective handling
of soil and plants, as well as fair payment and
fair treatment of the people who work there.
It is our responsibility to ensure systematic
reforest­ation, qualified care and cultivation,
and constant monitoring and management
of the plantations. Compliance with strict
standards is a matter of honour. Therefore
we mainly use fallow, uncultivated areas in
Europe for reforestation, which are managed in
accordance with the latest ecological stan­­­­d­­ards
and techniques. Long-term profit­ability, social
responsibility and the highest level of environ­
mental friendliness are our top priorities.
INVESTMENT TREND AT A GLANCE
Seedling
Offer
Order
Growth period
Crop
Paulownia tree
Distribution of earnings
9
CARE AND CULTIVATION: IN THE BEST HANDS RIGHT FROM
THE START – A LIFE’S JOURNEY
You'll love your trees as much as we do. Because
we see each plant as a living entity that needs
attention, and gets it. Like a parent raising
a child, the development of these plants is a
matter of the heart. That’s why we only work
with absolute professionals.
For several years, our growers have dealt with
the selection, cultivation, propagation and
care of Paulownia trees on plantations. They
have bred their own, customised Paulownia
varieties for commercial growing in almost all
temperate zones in Europe.
The Paulownia plantations are realised in
co-operation with our local partners. They
manage the reforestation of the plantation
area, control, monitor and maintain the
Treeme plantations, and give your trees
the best possible start in life.
As your “Fair Tree Assets like to be touched“,
every Paulownia tree starts out small. We take
particular care in this stage of life, because it
is the most sensitive period.
That’s why we only plant 2-year-old trees in
our plantations. These are sourced from the
market leader for Paulownia breeding, the
Weinan Research Center for Paulownia, on
behalf of Green Wood International AG. They
grow 2 years under loving care, until they are
finally shipped with the greatest care directly
to the plantation site. The Green Wood Service
GmbH company then transplants the trees
there. The advantage is that the trees are
ex­tremely resistant to cold, drought and wind
at planting, which ensures an exceptionally
high success rate for growing the trees on
plantations. For this reason, Green Wood Inter­
national AG also offers a 100% transplant and
rooting guarantee for tree buyers.
Of course, every tree increases its mass on a
reliable basis, year by year, on average at least
2 cm, maximum 4 cm per year. Each new tree
ring thus documents the yield growth of
each year.
You can be sure: Our nursery gardeners
rigorously monitor and control the growth
of trees and the optimal condition of the
entire plantation at regular intervals.
You are warmly invited to visit the plantations
and witness your ever-growing Fair Tree Assets
on site. Just make an appointment with us. Our
transparency allows you to develop an active,
living relationship with your trees.
After 12 years, the trunk wood is harvested
and sold on the international timber market as
precious wood. The crown wood and branches
are also processed for profit.
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MY TREE ...
... IS A STABLE INVESTMENT
SECURITY IS IMPORTANT
THE ECOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES:
BECOME AN ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTALIST
Every single tree is a gift of nature. Trees are a
living ecosystem with a considerable influence
on flora and fauna. They regulate the ecosystem
in a sustainable manner and have a positive
impact on the climate. And last but not least,
they produce vital oxygen. Any commitment
and involvement in this regard contributes to
active environmental and climate protection.
With your Fair Tree Assets, you are making a
useful contribution to protecting the environ­­­
ment, sending a visible and tangible si­­gnal
against illegal deforestation of the rainforests.
”Treeme“ relies on rational and sustainable
re­­­­­­forestation to re-cultivate and manage dis­
used land in Europe in accordance with strict
ecological standards.
With the environmentally compatible and
sen­­si­tive management of our plantations, we
significantly help to reduce the CO2 emissions
that are increasing worldwide. New forests
contribute locally to biodiversity, create new
habitats for plants and animals, serve as natural
water reservoirs and protect the soil from
erosion. Every tree regulates the ecosystem in
a sustainable manner and has a positive impact
on climate.
The following example demonstrates what
you really do for the environment with your
Fair Tree Assets. With a kilometre reading of a
15,000 km, an average car produces 2.25 tons
of CO2 a year.1 If fallow land is planted with
Paulownia trees, as “Treeme” does, the result
is an annual reduction of CO2 by 37.5 tons per
hectare. According to these figures, you would
have to plant 32 trees in order to completely
balance the carbon footprint of driving your
car for a year, in terms of its CO2 emissions.
In supporting nature by securing renewable
resources, you make an active and valuable
contribution to protecting and preserving our
Earth – for our children and grandchildren.
CO2 EMISSIONS BY COMPARISON1ʼ 2
16 cars, 15,000 km travel
per year/car
Per hectare and year compensation
of 37.5 t CO2 emissions
Almost 8 x
Frankfurt–New York–Frankfurt
13
THE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES:
CONSISTENT NATURAL GROWTH
The demand for wood as a raw material is
growing with each passing year. Aspiring
industrial nations such as China and India have
an ever-increasing “hunger” for energy. The
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)1
estimates that China’s demand for wood alone
will more than double in the next few decades.
This demonstrates the greatest advantage of
wood: it grows back – which makes it unbeat­
able as compared to increasingly scarce fossil
fuels such as oil and gas in the face of a steadily
growing world population.
The Hamburg Institute of International
Economics (HWWI)2 even predicts that global
demand for tropical hardwood will double
by 2030. At the same time, the supply of this
timber is decreasing dramatically due to global
deforestation and shrinking forests, which
drives up the price. This is where Paulownia
wood comes in. Our legally-planted Paulownia
tree plantations help to counter the trend
and, at the same time, represent a useful
con­tribution to maintaining an equilibrium
between economics and nature. With your
tree ownership, you become part of this
new balance. Wood is a material commodity
which grows naturally: by an average of ­12
to 15% each year. The last few years on the
timber market have shown this. The NCREIF
Timberland Index3, which is the international
timber index, has risen considerably more
positively than the DAX (share index) and the
gold market over the past 20 years. The average
return on timber (12.8%) was significantly
higher than on shares (8.1%) or gold (5.2%).
According to the Food and Agriculture
Orga­nization of the United Nations (FAO)6,
the demand for round timber (untreated
trunks) will double over the next 15 years.
This will not be without effect on price
development, which is already showing a
continuous upward trend.
Experts and analysts agree, investments in
precious hardwood trees make good sense.
They promise high yields with long-term
security. Unlike in the capital market, with
its inscrutable mechanisms, an investment in
wood is an investment in nature. Simple, fair,
crisis-proof – and with our help, it grows near
you. With "Treeme – My Fair Tree Assets", you
are supporting the regeneration of nature,
and thus protecting the environment and the
climate. Tree stocks can renew themselves
continuously, and you have put your money
into a permanently renewable raw material.
You won’t have to wait long for the financial
re­turns. Experts expect annual price rises on the
commodity market3. So lean back and relax.
Do something good for nature and for yourself.
TIMBER PRICE INCREASE COMPARED WITH GOLD AND SHARES
Jan 1990
Jan 1994
Jan 1998
Jan 2002
Jan 2006
Jan 2010
Timber
(NCREIF Timberland, USD)3
0
+120 %
+300 %
+460 %
+550 %
+810 %
MSCI World4
(Basis: USD)
0
+10 %
+100 %
+125 %
+210 %
+225 %
Gold5
(Spot gold price, USD)
0
14
+5 %
–25 %
–20 %
+28 %
+190 %
TIMBER VOLUME GROWTH IN YEARS (m3 per hectare)7
Paulownia
Teak
400
Robinia
Mahogany
300
Oak
200
100
0
Own representation
10 years
20 years
30 years
40 years
50 years
60 years
WORLDWIDE ROUND WOOD CONSUMPTION TREND8 (Data in bn. m3)
4,0
3,5
3,0
2,5
Source: ETH Zürich,
FAO, UN population,
own figures
2,0
1960
1980
2000
2020
2040
2060
RISK AND YIELD OF VARIOUS FORMS OF INVESTMENT IN THE LAST 40 YEARS9
Short-term
government
stocks
Long-term
bonds
Property
International
shares
Standard & Poor's*
Small Caps**
Timber
11 %
7 %
21 %
16 %
24 %
13,5 %
7 %
9 %
9 %
10,5 %
13 %
15 %
3 %
Risk
Yield
6 %
* International credit assessment institution
**Small publicly trade company
15
MY TREE ...
... IS IN BEST HANDS
WE ARE THE RIGHT ONES
GREEN WOOD INTERNATIONAL AG –
YOUR CONFIDENCE IS OUR INCENTIVE
Green Wood International AG is your
experi­enced, committed, environmentally
aware and responsible partner for your share
capital. We are the specialists in long-term
asset in­vestments in timber. In addition to
above-average returns, our aim is to take into
account maximum environmental protection,
ecology and climate protection, in order to
generate added value for you and our Earth.
Our focus is on conscientious, sustainable
forestry. Through your purchase of trees and
our care and cultivation, together with you,
we want to maintain the ecosystem for future
generations, both in terms of its diversity and
its productivity. And not just anywhere, but
directly at our doorstep and yours. As a tree
plantation and service company, we develop,
cultivate and market only the wood of the
Paulownia tree. Thanks to our longstanding
experience and know-how, and cooperation
with international and local partners, we can
provide our customers with a with a secure,
naturally growing investment.
THE COMPANY: A LOT OF PASSION FOR ONE IDEA
To optimally manage your Fair Tree Assets,
Green Wood International AG is divided into
different companies. Professional services
range from location selection and plantation
management, up to control and maintenance
as well as professional marketing, distribution
and sale of your timber.
1. As seller of the Paulownia trees, Green
Wood International AG looks after the entire
stock of Paulownia trees and organises the
reforestation of plantation land and the
marketing of timber plantations in Europe.
Careful, gentle and sustainable cultivation
is guaranteed here in accordance with strict
environmental, social and economic criteria.
Financial security for the entire growth period
is provided by Green Wood International
Trust, which was set up solely for the purpose
of ensuring funds for the establishment and
costs of the plantations and land leases for
the lifetime of 2 + 10 years, until your trees
are harvested. In addition, Green Wood Inter­
national Group is subdivided into other, legally
independent companies, which each operate
as a specialist for the different aspects of your
very own Fair Tree Assets.
2. Green Wood Service GmbH is responsible for
the selection of suitable plantation areas, and
for the monitoring, care and cultivation of the
trees. The company is based in Germany and is
responsible for all environmental-economic
and operational processes in connection with
the Paulownia plantations of the Green Wood
International Group. New sites with ideal con­
ditions are constantly being sought in Germany,
France, Greece, Italy and Switzerland.
With us, your Fair Tree Assets are in good
hands. Plant a seed of trust and get in touch!
17
MY TREE ...
... GROWS WITH EVERY CHALLENGE
TAX AND LEGAL INFORMATION
PREMATURE SALE
TRANSFER
You can transfer your tree ownership, taking
into account the provisions of the purchase
contract, to a third party at any time, thereby
ending your own investment in nature earlier.
Of course, you are free to give away your trees
or to bequeath them (see Terms & Conditions).
To prevent the balance of the plantations from
becoming endangered, we reserve the right of
first refusal over the trees. If we do not exercise
this right of first refusal, you may sell your trees
to third parties.
TAX TREATMENT
In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, different
rules apply regarding tax treatment. Green
Wood International AG always recommends
consulting a tax advisor, who can explain the
relevant tax conditions and requirements in
individual cases.
INSURANCE
Damages or failure are protected though an
all-risk insurance policy, which was arranged by
international insurance broker Willis GmbH &
Co. KG. In the event of damage, this insurance
covers the purchase price as well as 5%
appre­ciation from the date the trees were
planted on the plantation.
19
MY TREE ...
... IS GROWN EARNINGS
MY TREE –
1001 POSSIBLE USES
Paulownia precious wood from “Treeme” is
the all-rounder of nature. There is virtually
no economic and industry sector in which this
exclusive wood does not play a crucial role.
Take a look and discover more and more about
this coveted wood, whether as a refinement
for high-quality surfaces and floors, or as the
base material for exquisite furniture and highquality accessories. Whether for the interiors
of private airplanes or luxury yachts, in the
construction of valuable musical instruments or
in the pro­­duction of durable sports equipment:
the excellent properties of Paulownia wood
stand out everywhere.
2121
DISCOVER THIS
WOODEN TREASURE
There is no doubt: this wood can do almost
any­thing. Whether as a construction material,
material or energy source – without this
valu­able raw material, a great deal of our
quality of life would be lost.
Paulownia plays a major role in interior design in
particular. It is easy to process, extremely stable
and has a high ignition point at over 400°C.1
From exclusive, visually stunning wall and
ceil­ing panels to doors and windows, this
valuable and attractive raw material makes
your home really cosy.
22
This is also provided by beautiful furniture
such as cabinets, fitted kitchens and sitting
areas, made from Paulownia wood and an
eye­c atcher in any room. The easy workability
enables fine handcrafted products to be
created that optimally cater to particularly
discerning demands. Due to its high durability
and weather resistance, Paulownia wood is
also suitable for numerous uses outdoors and
in the garden, as well as for the manufacture
of wooden toys and surfboards.
Particularly in interior design, this wood stands
out due to its exclusive aesthetics. Its lightness
makes it perfect for use in the air and on the
water. Paulownia is full of surprises and is worth
more than just a glance.
23
BROCHURE PUBLISHER / SUPPLIER
Name and address of the company:
Green Wood International AG, Switzerland
Im Stadtwald 3, CH-9400 Rorschach
Tel: +41 58 680 30 40
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]
www.treeme.ch
Declaration:
We declare to the best of our knowledge and
belief that we have not made any inaccurate,
advantageous statements or concealed any
adverse facts about circumstances that are
of major importance with regard any decision
about participating in this offer.
Chairman of the Board of Directors:
Wolfgang Goese
The publisher/supplier of the brochure, Green
Wood International AG, registered office at Im
Stadtwald 3, CH-9400 Rorschach, Switzerland,
is liable for the content of the brochure.
Applicable law:
The brochure publisher
is subject to the law of Switzerland.
Nature and purpose of company:
Development of Paulownia plantations in
Germany, Italy, Spain, France and Greece as
well as additional countries within the EU
jurisdiction and sale of tree stocks.
24
LIST OF IMAGES
LIST OF SOURCES
Green Wood International AG images:
P. 4Paulownia tree in the 1st year
on the plantation
P. 6Paulownia tree in the 2nd year
after planting without thinning
P. 7
Cutting the clones
P. 7
Seedlings being planted
P. 7
Plants with shoots in the
greenhouse
P. 7
4-month-old plant after
being planted on the plantation
P. 7
8-month-old plant after
being planted on the plantation
P. 7
12-month-old plant after
being planted on the plantation
P. 9
Tree care and cultivation
at the Starnberg plantation
P. 10Starnberg plantation in the 1st year
after planting
P. 11Paulownia tree in the 1st year
on the Starnberg plantation
P. 12Paulownia tree in the 2nd year
on the Starnberg plantation
P. 16Paulownia tree in the 4th year
on the Lindau plantation
P. 18Paulownia tree in the 1st year
on the Starnberg plantation
P. 19Paulownia tree shoot in the 2nd year
on the Starnberg plantation
P. 22/23Cross-section of a 12-year-old
Paulownia tree
P. 23Starnberg plantation in the 1st year
after planting
P. 8
1Journal of Materials Science, Springer
Science + Business Media, LLC 2007
2, 3, 4, 5Own figures based on market research,
www.cropdevelopment.org
P. 12/13
1, 2www.co2-emissionen-vergleichen.de,
www.luftlinie.org
P. 14/15
1www.fao.org
2www.hwwi.org
3www.ncreif.org
4www.msci.com
5
www.finanzen100.de
6www.fao.org,
State of the World's Forests 2012
7
Own figures
8Der völkerrechtliche Schutz der
Bäume, Beate Schulte zu Sodingen
9Welt am Sonntag, 16.10.2011,
Mein Freund, der Baum
P. 22
1Journal of Materials Science, Springer
Science + Business Media, LLC 2007
Shutterstock images:
P. 22Processed Paulownia precious wood
used in surfboard construction
P. 22Processed Paulownia precious wood
used in house construction
P. 23Processed Paulownia precious wood
used in the fittings of a luxury yacht
P. 23
Mother with child
P. 24
The blossoms of a Paulownia tree
25
“NATURE IS THE ONLY BOOK
THAT OFFERS VALUABLE CONTENT
ON EVERY LEAF.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
26