How to Care for Mesquite Trees
- 1). 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.
- 2). 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.
- 3). 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.
- 4). 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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