How to Care for Mesquite Trees
Mesquite thrives in hot, dry climates, making it a favorite for landscapes where water is scarce. It ranges in size from a small shrub to a 30-foot tree, depending on its access to water. Cold and high elevations can also limit its size. Mesquite grows naturally near the dry riverbeds, washes and gullies of the American Southwest, but it can be grown in most types of soil. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant mesquite in full sun, in a staggered row, 10 feet apart for a hedge, or singly as a shade tree. Amend clay soils with equal parts peat and sand to a depth of 3 feet to improve drainage. Mesquite will develop deep roots, growing slowly above ground for the first few years.
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Water deeply once a month during the growing season, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings. Test the soil with a stake to be sure it is moist to a depth of 3 feet after watering. The deep roots will find water and store it, making mesquite an extremely drought-tolerant tree.
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Allow mesquite to grow freely if you want a dense, free-form privacy screen. Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns if you decide to trim and shape the tree. Prune foliage away from the bottom third of branches with pruning shears to reveal the gracefully twisting limbs. Remove entire branches on the bottom third of the tree to encourage height and a more tree-like form.
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Mulch with stone or gravel to suppress weeds and hold heat near the soil after a hot day. Mesquite can become stunted by cold exposure. Other types of wood and chip mulch can be used, but stone is an attractive alternative that does not need annual replacement.
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Tips & Warnings
Mesquite is an important source of food and shelter for small animals. If you don't want to attract critters to your yard, rake up seed pods when they fall.
Watch out for thorns when pruning mesquite, or buy a thornless hybrid from your local garden center.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit mesquite park image by Wendi Evans from Fotolia.com
