I have several mesquite tree seeds i picked up in Arizona a few years back. Will a mesquite tree grow here in massachusetts?
In terms of climate, mesquite trees can grow in gardening zones 6b through 9. Parts of MA are in zones 6b and above- check this map to see where you are:
http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
The bigger challenge might be that mesquites are desert trees, so you will need to provide it with very well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Here is some more info about them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/growing-mesquite-trees.htm
hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/PROGLAA.pdf
I have a chelean mesquite tree that seemed to have died, but it is shooting out branches from the bottom that are beautiful and healthy, but the original trunk is dead. What if anything can I do? Its a beautiful bush.. ha ha ha Lynda Burke
Your tree is a grafted tree, and it seems the tree is only growing from the root stock.
There isn't really a way to know what the root stock is. You may want to look for a replacement.
Planted correctly! Suspect not enough sunlight under Mesquite tree? Not likely! Other ideas?
A couple of tips and an encouragement of patience.
Plant them now in full sun in a location with deep, enriched soil and excellent drainage. The neck of the bulb should be exposed above soil level. Water them while in active growth and after flowering. Then wait — not just one year or even two; by the third spring you should start to see more stems and more flowers.
I have started 2 honey mesquite trees from seeds. Recently, I read that mesquite trees have root nodules for nitrogen-fixing bacteria. I am in AR, far from the Southwest deserts. Will my soil have the proper bacteria? Is there a commercial bacterial mix that would innoculate mesquite trees? Would regular nitrogen fertilization replace the nitrogen-fixing-bacteria?
Do not fertilize these trees. They will fix nitrogen despite having the proper bacterial colonies, although they will likely find replacement colonies just fine. They are very widespread, and if you can grow peas in your area, then you can grow these.
Though a good mix if beneficial microbes will help. These can be found at many gardening centers, or online with the help of Google.
This article will help you with the care of these trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/growing-mesquite-trees.htm
Hi, Having to go back North for 8 weeks I pruned my Chilean Mesquite preparing for the Arizona Monsoon season. tree planted 3 yrs ago Trunk now about 5" diam. hight 15 feet x 15' wide Upon my return the tree is 95 % brown ? other 3 trees are fine pruned the same time. Perhaps The heat 110 degrees was to harsh for the late pruning I have a drip ( 3 ) emitters 1 gal hr. every day 15 Min about 1 1/2 quarts a day. all trees the same. When I trimmed I took off branches growing down, and crooked out or rubbing another trying to keep all branches growing up and/or out I did no canopy trimming. I did cut limbs close to the main branches. " Perhaps this was the error"
Without seeing the damage, it will be hard to know for certain. It will be most likely that a couple of the trees could have contracted a fungal infection. This is, absolutely, due to timing of pruning.
These trees should really only be pruned during dormancy, but they can take a very, very light pruning in spring.
I would apply a fungicide to the parts of the tree above ground. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
You can also treat the ground around the tree with DOLOMITIC LIME and WETTABLE SULFUR according to all packaging instructions.
This article will help you to prune these trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/mesquite-tree-pruning.htm
This one will help you with general care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/growing-mesquite-trees.htm
I have a variety of mesquite trees that were grown from my horses eating various mesquite pods. but not one of my trees have a pod. is there something i can do to start growing pods? they are various years old. some more than 5 years
Since none of the trees have produced pods, it seems that environmental conditions must be the culprit. Our best advice is to make a visit to your local extension service and find out what might be preventing flowering. However, it takes 3 to 5 years to bloom and fruit.
Perhaps this article will shed some light on the problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/growing-mesquite-trees.htm
Just planted a couple weeks ago. Deep waterig it 2-3 times a week as suggested by nursery. Sliced a bit of bark off, inside looks green. But leaves arent just yellow, they seem dry and dead, fall off with a good shake, crumble when pinched.
It is unfortunate to see watering instructions such as this from a nursery.
It sounds like it has suffered from overwatering. The best indicator that it should be watered, while establishing, will be that it is completely dry down to about 3 inches before watering again. Watering before, especially with these trees, can easily lead to overwatering damage.
You will want to wait until Spring to prune it. Patience and good watering practice will pay off, here. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mesquite/growing-mesquite-trees.htm