How to Care for a Neem Tree

Neem trees have short, grayish-white trunks and dark green leaves. The flowers of the neem tree are white and have a strong, fragrant smell. Neems are beautiful to look at, drought-resistant and good for soil fertility. These trees also have numerous medicinal benefits and repel insects.

Instructions

1. Find a baby neem plant at a local nursery. Select a plant that has broad, dark green leaves. Make sure the plant shows no signs of wilting or discolored spots.

2. Select the sunniest patch of your yard for the neem tree. Neems cannot tolerate shade, so plant them in open areas. Select the location wisely, because neem trees have a life span of more than 100 years.

3. Don't worry about watering. Neem trees are not fussy about water and can grow even in areas with little rainfall.

4. You may use any kind of soil to plant your neem tree in, as it will improve the soil's quality. However, neems grow best in black cotton soil, which has a high clay content.

5. Avoid using pesticides on neem trees. Pests and insects will have little effect on mature neems. Only 14 known types of insects can disturb the neem tree at all. However, these are found only in the neem farms of Nigeria. On younger trees, look for scale insects, as an infestation can be fatal. Inspect neems regularly for insects, and if any are visible, wash the plant down with a strong spray of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though the neem tree has bitter foliage, it still may be attractive to cattle. If you live in a rural area and grazing cattle show interest in your fledgling neem plant, you may want to build a cage around it until it has grown large enough to survive grazing.

• Watch out for rats and porcupines. They can eat the bark of your neem tree and can kill it. Take special care if you live in an area with frequent wildfires. Neem trees catch fire quickly. The fire can kill young plants, but mature trees almost always regrow.

References

• Growing Neem Trees