Drought tolerant trees for the southwest.
Some of not the best type of trees to plant for the hot southwestern deserts are mesquite trees. Two that do particuarily well are the Honey Mesquite and the Chilean Mesquite.
The Honey mesquite: (Prosopis glandulosa), grows to about 20ft tall and wide. It does have large thorns but once it gets to it's maximum height it will not have thorns on the main trunk. It only needs the occassional rain water the desert southwest provides. It is very hardy and the root system is not invasive. If you decide to remove this tree be sure to take out the entire root system as any roots left will shoot out and produce another Shrub or Tree. Only water during it's first year and be sure to remove any watering system after the first year to prevent root rot.
The Chilean Mesquite: (Prosopis chilensis), is larger about 35ft. tall and wide much darger bark and just as drought tolerant. It will require lots of pruning to shape when first planted. Chilean mesquite trees produce numerous crossed branches and grows quite fast. Foliage on this magnificient tree tend to stay on even during colder seasons. Most varieties do not have thorns. Water requirements are almost identical to the Honey Mesquite.
Color Your Nurseries will usually carry these trees during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Be sure to drop by Guzman's gardening centers to see these trees.
Paul Guzman
Some of not the best type of trees to plant for the hot southwestern deserts are mesquite trees. Two that do particuarily well are the Honey Mesquite and the Chilean Mesquite.
The Honey mesquite: (Prosopis glandulosa), grows to about 20ft tall and wide. It does have large thorns but once it gets to it's maximum height it will not have thorns on the main trunk. It only needs the occassional rain water the desert southwest provides. It is very hardy and the root system is not invasive. If you decide to remove this tree be sure to take out the entire root system as any roots left will shoot out and produce another Shrub or Tree. Only water during it's first year and be sure to remove any watering system after the first year to prevent root rot.
The Chilean Mesquite: (Prosopis chilensis), is larger about 35ft. tall and wide much darger bark and just as drought tolerant. It will require lots of pruning to shape when first planted. Chilean mesquite trees produce numerous crossed branches and grows quite fast. Foliage on this magnificient tree tend to stay on even during colder seasons. Most varieties do not have thorns. Water requirements are almost identical to the Honey Mesquite.
Color Your Nurseries will usually carry these trees during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Be sure to drop by Guzman's gardening centers to see these trees.
Paul Guzman
What type of Mesquite tree is best for cooking with? Please email to ZincChloride@aol.com Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Honey Mesquite wood can be used to cook all types of food especially when grilling steaks, burgers, chicken and pork. It adds great smokey mesquite type flavor to all grilled foods.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mesquite tree grows the pods that can be grounded down into flour?
ReplyDelete