Mesquite Tree Care - Growing Mesquite Trees In The Landscape
To many of us, mesquite is just a BBQ flavoring. Mesquite is common in the southwestern parts of the United States. It is a medium-sized tree that thrives in dry conditions. The plant is not well suited where soils are overly sandy or soggy. Gardeners in northern and eastern states will need a little information on how to grow a mesquite tree. These areas are more challenging, but it is possible to have mesquite trees in the landscape. Mesquite is an easy-to-care-for tree with few pests or problems.
Mesquite Plant Info
Mesquite plants (Prosopis) are found wild on flood plains, near streams and rivers, and in fields and grazing pastures. The plants have a unique ability to harvest moisture from the driest soils. The tree has a deep root structure, except where grown near waterways. In these areas, it has two different root systems, one deep and one shallow. Full mesquite plant info must also include the fact that they are legumes. The rickety, often scraggly tree is a haven for bees and a mass of color in spring. They produce sweet-smelling, yellow flowers that become pods. These pods are filled with seeds and are sometimes grounded for flour or used as animal feed.
How to Grow a Mesquite Tree
It is true that the mesquite tree is not the most attractive plant. It has a scrubby appearance and rather splayed limbs. The color display, sweet fragrance, and lure to honeybees make mesquite trees in the landscape valuable additions, and seeds from the pods remain viable for up to fifty years. Growing mesquite trees from seed is not an easy task, however. In spite of the vigor of the seeds, the correct conditions must be met. Germination takes place at 80 to 85 degrees F. (27-29 C.) under just a dusting of soil. A rainstorm or consistent water is necessary until the seed sprouts. Then dryer conditions and temperatures up to 90 degrees F. (32 C.) produce the best growth. The preferred method for growing mesquite trees is to order them from a reputable nursery. The plant will be in the juvenile state, bare-root and ready to bloom and fruit in three to five years.
Mesquite Tree Care
Mesquite trees are perfect for hot southern or western exposure and xeriscape plans. Make sure the soil is well-draining before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the roots. Fill the hole with water and check to see if it is draining. If the hole remains filled with water half an hour later, incorporate 3 inches (8 cm.) of sand or gritty organic material. Once planted, the tree will need to be kept moist while it establishes. After two months, the feeder roots have spread out and the deeper roots are diving into the soil. The plant will not need supplemental water in most zones unless severe drought occurs. Mesquite tree care should also include a pruning regimen in early spring to encourage good branch formation. Remove the basal sprouts to keep vegetative growth from minimizing access. The tree is a legume, which fixes nitrogen in the soil. Supplemental nitrogen is not necessary and rarely does it need trace minerals.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Planting Perennials In Fall: How To Ensure New Shrubs And Flowers Thrive
Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on your garden goals by planting many perennial varieties. Come spring time, they will be raring to go.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Blue Flowers For Native Gardens: 7 Native Blue Flowers To Grow
Blue might not seem like the sort of color that crops up regularly in a native garden, but you’d be amazed! Here we round up the loveliest native blue flowers you can try
By Tonya Barnett
-
Signs Of Mesquite Sickness – Recognizing Mesquite Tree Diseases
Mesquite trees are attractive and drought tolerant, and a standard part of xeriscape plantings. Sometimes, though, these tolerant trees exhibit signs of mesquite sickness. Click here for information about diseases of mesquite trees and how to recognize them.
By Teo Spengler
-
Screwbean Mesquite Info: Tips For Screwbean Mesquite Care
The screwbean mesquite is a small tree or shrub native to southern California. It sets itself apart from its traditional mesquite cousin with its attractive, corkscrew-shaped bean pods that appear in the summer. Learn more screwbean mesquite info in this article.
By Liz Baessler
-
Mesquite Pest Solutions – How To Deal With Pests Of Mesquite Trees
Mesquite trees are an excellent choice for a tough landscape tree that requires very little input once established. Even so, you'll want to monitor them for insect infestations from time to time. If you see any, you'll know what to do after reading this article.
By Kristi Waterworth
-
Are Mesquite Trees Edible: Learn About Mesquite Pod Uses
If someone were to mention "mesquite" to me, my thoughts immediately turn to the mesquite wood used for grilling and barbecuing. But is there more to mesquite beyond the grill? Can you eat mesquite? Are mesquite trees edible?" Click here to find out.
By Shelley Pierce
-
Moving Mesquite Trees – Is Transplanting A Mesquite Tree Possible
Where other trees may wilt and dehydrate, mesquite trees draw moisture from the cool depths of the earth and gracefully ride out the dry spell. However, this deep taproot can make transplanting a mesquite tree quite difficult. Click here for tips on moving mesquite trees.
By Darcy Larum
-
Mesquite Tree Uses – What Can Mesquite Be Used For
Of mesquite, many of us only know about the slow burning wood that makes for a great barbeque. That?s only the tip of the iceberg, though. What else can mesquite be used for? Mesquite tree uses are many and varied. Learn more about these uses here.
By Amy Grant
-
Mesquite Cutting Propagation : Can You Grow Mesquite From Cuttings
Mesquite plants make attractive specimens in the garden. Can you grow mesquite from cuttings? Absolutely. You will just need a little info on how to root mesquite cuttings and when and where to harvest your material. This article will help with that.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Sowing Mesquite Seeds: How And When To Plant Mesquite Seeds
Growing mesquite from seeds found in the wild is a fun way to enjoy these plants for free. However, mesquite seed germination can be capricious and requires several steps for success. Click on this article for further info on how to grow mesquite trees from seed.
By Bonnie L. Grant