How to Trim a Mimosa Tree

Sometimes called a silk tree, the mimosa tree is an elegant flowering tree that grows in temperate climates. Mimosa trees were brought to the United States from China in 1745 and are considered an invasive tree in some states, including Florida. These trees have delicate leaves that resemble fern fronds and sprays of pink or red pom-pom style flowers. If you want to trim your mimosa tree, the best time of year to do so is in late winter, when frost danger is past but the tree is still in a dormant phase.

Things You'll Need

• Anvil pruning shears

Instructions

1. Inspect the tree's limbs and bark for signs of damage. If you encounter limbs that are diseased, dead or otherwise damaged, you'll need to remove these before trimming the tree. Removing dead or diseased limbs as soon as you discover them promotes overall tree health and prevents bacteria from spreading to healthy limbs.

2. Cut off dead or damaged limbs at their intersection with the mimosa tree's trunk. You might want to leave a small 1-inch nub of the limb to prevent cutting into the trunk. When you've removed diseased and dead branches, carry them to a trash bin far away from the tree and disinfect your pruning shears with an antibacterial spray.

3. Snip off any water sprouts or limbs that are growing downward. This removes limbs that would clutter up your yard if allowed to develop, getting in the way of yard maintenance such as lawnmowing. Remove any low-growing limbs that interfere with the yard space.

4. Thin out the interior canopy when too many branches are growing close together. This allows more light and air into the tree's canopy and improves tree health. You should also remove branches that are crisscrossing, since the constant friction can cause a limb to snap.

5. If you feel the tree's foliage is too long, you can also trim back the tree's branches by several inches. Make sure to maintain a consistent angle when pruning to give the tree a uniform, neat appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Mimosa trees grow a high number of seed pods and may re-seed themselves throughout your yard.

References

• University of Florida: Mimosa Tree
• Southern Living: Mimosa Tree