Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) are native desert trees that grow really fast if they get a lot of water. In fact, they can grow so fast that you may need to do mesquite tree pruning every year or so. What happens if you don’t get around to cutting back a large mesquite tree? It gets so heavy and large that it splits in two or falls over. That means that homeowners with these trees in the backyard need to know how to prune mesquites and when to prune a mesquite. Read on for tips on pruning a mesquite tree.
Mesquite Tree Pruning
If you don’t get mesquite tree pruning right the first time, you’ll have plenty of second chances. These desert trees can grow between 20 and 50 feet (6-16 m.) tall if they get plenty of water. Tall, full mesquites require annual pruning. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to ease off mesquite irrigation when the tree reaches the size you prefer. The tree will grow less and require less pruning.
How to Prune Mesquite
Pruning depends on the condition of the tree. When you do mesquite tree pruning on a vigorous tree, you might remove some 25 percent of the canopy. If you’ve cut irrigation and a mature tree’s growth is stagnant, you’ll just do some basic pruning. When you are pruning a mesquite tree, start by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Remove them close to the point of origin. Use pruning shears or a pruning saw when you are cutting back a mesquite tree branch. If the tree is overgrown or in danger of collapsing under its own weight, remove additional branches – or, in this case, call in a professional. One important tip for pruning a mesquite tree: wear heavy gloves. Mesquite trunks and branches have large thorns that can do some serious damage to naked hands.
When to Prune a Mesquite
It’s important to learn when to prune a mesquite before you jump into pruning. First, don’t start cutting back a mesquite when you initially transplant it into your garden. Only do essential pruning the first season or two. When the tree starts growing up and out, start annual tree pruning. Damaged branches can be cut back at any time year-round. For severe pruning, though, you’ll want to do it when the tree is dormant. Most experts recommend that pruning a mesquite tree should wait until winter when the tree is dormant. However, a few experts claim that late spring is the optimal pruning time since the tree heals wounds more swiftly at that time.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Signs Of Mesquite Sickness – Recognizing Mesquite Tree DiseasesMesquite 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.
-
Screwbean Mesquite Info: Tips For Screwbean Mesquite CareThe 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.
-
Mesquite Pest Solutions – How To Deal With Pests Of Mesquite TreesMesquite 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.
-
Are Mesquite Trees Edible: Learn About Mesquite Pod UsesIf 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.
-
Moving Mesquite Trees – Is Transplanting A Mesquite Tree PossibleWhere 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.
-
Mesquite Tree Uses – What Can Mesquite Be Used ForOf 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.
-
Mesquite Cutting Propagation : Can You Grow Mesquite From CuttingsMesquite 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.
-
Sowing Mesquite Seeds: How And When To Plant Mesquite SeedsGrowing 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.
