Title: How to Plant & Grow Chilean Mesquites | Home Guides | SF Gate
Headings: How to Plant & Grow Chilean Mesquites
How to Plant & Grow Chilean Mesquites
1
2
3
Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You
4
5
6

Content: How to Plant & Grow Chilean Mesquites | Home Guides | SF Gate
How to Plant & Grow Chilean Mesquites
Home Guides
|
Garden
|
Gardening
By Michelle Miley
The Chilean mesquite tree (Prosopis chilensis) is a desert-loving tree grown in arid climates throughout U.S. Department if Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Chilean mesquite trees tolerate almost any soil and are often planted to provide shade in hot areas and are most striking when planted in small groupings. While the small greenish-yellow spring and summer flowers of the plant are not showy it has value as an ornamental plant due to its dark, twisted branches and open, airy crown. Although considered an evergreen, this tree may drop some or all of its leaves and enter dormancy from December to April when planted in cooler microclimates. 1
Choose a planting location in full sun that will be able to accommodate the tree’s mature size. A mesquite tree can grow to be 30 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide. 2
Dig a planting hole that is as deep as the tree’s nursery container but four to five times wider. Remove the tree from the container, place it in the hole and backfill, Water the tree deeply immediately after planting. Because mesquite trees attract birds, you may need to enclose small, young trees in chicken wire to protect them until they become stronger. 3
Water once very 7 to 10 days during their first year to help the tree become established.