How to Grow Osage Orange Trees
Have you ever grown an orange tree? If you enjoyed juicy citrus fruits from your tree, it could not have been an Osage orange tree. Despite the name, these are not actually orange trees. The Osage orange is also known as the hedge apple tree. The scientific name for the tree is Maclura pomifera. It is a thorny tree popularly used for windbreaks or hedge fences and you can easily grow one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Grow A Thorny Hedgerow
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Check out your county's outlying farms and rural areas. Many farmers planted these trees as hedgerows years ago. After time, these trees proliferate extensively and need to be removed. You may be fortunate enough to find a farmer who will allow you to dig as many of the small saplings as you want.
You will need to purchase the trees if they have not naturalized in your area. You can easily locate a reputable grower to purchase these trees. Check with your local extension office. Many university extension agencies sell Osage orange trees in bulk amounts. Check with your area agriculture agencies, farm bureaus and forestry service offices.
Do not be shocked when you see the tiny size of the trees you purchase. These are normally small twigs with negligible root development, but they will grow rapidly.
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Plant this tree any time of year when the soil is workable. Osage oranges are extremely easy to grow, and they are very hardy trees. Loosen the soil to the depths of the roots to allow adequate space for the young roots to expand. You can plant the seedlings in a shallow trench, which is quicker and easier than making a separate hole for each.
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Make a dense hedge by planting the trees in two separate rows placed a few inches from each other. This will form a thick, natural windbreak. You may want to plant these trees at an angle facing toward each other. This will create a live lattice as the trees grow and become tightly interwoven.
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Replace the removed soil, covering the roots. Water the new trees thoroughly after planting.
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Watch the soil during the first summer and water the seedlings only if the ground becomes very dry and dusty. These trees require very little care to encourage rapid growth. Trim them a couple of times a year if you do not want them taking over the landscape.
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Tips & Warnings
The fruit that these trees produce is not considered edible.
Be aware that these trees produce very large thorns. Take precautions to avoid the being injured by them. Do not plant them in landscapes close to living quarters. Keep pets and children away from these trees to avoid the possibility of being injured by the thorns.
