Advise for our malformed Mexican Palo Verde
We planted this Mexican Palo Verde over a year ago in our droughtscape yard - not knowing that this type of Palo Verde is known to drop its leaves/needles every year. While it did show some pretty yellow flowers in the spring - what a mess it makes this time of year!
The nursery it came from was obviously over crowded, and the tree didn't have the most room to grow/spread its wings (branches). Therefore it's oddly shaped. My wife thinks it has character, I just think it looks retarded. Maybe that's why it only cost $80.
I have a couple of questions:
Is it normal for the leaves to turn yellow and start dropping like crazy during the late Summer/early Fall? I attached a picture of some of the leaves/needles and the discoloration.
Would it be worthwhile to prune this thing? I haven't the slightest idea how, but can't get away from how much it does NOT look like most Palo Verde trees I've seen around town (desert museum, for example).
Any input would help!
Comments (6)
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
7 years ago
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
7 years agoRelated Discussions
How do I get rid of Palo Verde Root Borers
Comments (2)Hi Chandlergardner, Palo Verde beetles emerge during our summer monsoon season and can be a frightening sight on warm evenings. The larvae, which are a huge 3" whiteish grub, live inside the roots of trees for several years before maturing into the black adult beetle. The holes they leave in the ground are about the size of a quarter in diameter. They seem especially attracted to the imported Mexican Palo Verde tree, but will munch on nearly any non-native tree or shrub species including Mulberry and Ash. Another insect that active during the monsoon season is the cicada. They produces the loud buzzing you hear in trees this time of year leave 1 inch diameter holes in the ground. Female cicadas lay their eggs on branch tips which causes die-back. The best management for these insects is to keep your trees as healthy as possible. Deep, infrequent watering and minimal pruning will enable plants to resist attack by these pests. Here is a link that might be useful: Palo Verde Borer Beetle...See MoreHow do you slowly kill a Palo Verde tree?
Comments (46)I had a large palo verde tree removed a couple of years ago. Not sorry either, every spring there were dozens of seedlings to pull up, not to mention getting stuck. I planted a beautiful Emperor Green palo verde tree in it's place. This tree is perfect, no seedlings or thorns, incredible blooms, wish I had planted some of them years ago, since I'm relocating soon. Oh well.....See MoreApril 22 to April 28th San Diego
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Comments (17)Rick - Last summer I sunk several larger plumerias that I left out over the winter, my smaller ones went inside for the winter. There is a nursery in Mesa, called Treeland Nursery that sells 2 varieties of larger Arizona grown plumerias (5' tall + for $29.99). I have 3 of their trees in which I had 2 different results. 1 I covered and 1 I didn't, strangely, the one I covered black tipped on all tips. I'm pretty sure this was due to the amount of rain we had and the frost cloths getting wet then freezing. I think lights and covering so that the cloth is not touching the tips over the winter you will be fine. 2 Months ago I planted my dwarf Singapore pink, a dwarf orange Singapore, Celadine and 2 Treeland trees. All of my plumerias get filtered light under palms or trees. You will want to make sure you amend your soil so that it gets good drainage. Some of our soil here is horrible. Also, if you are in Az now, we are having our spring gathering for Az Plumeria Growers this Sunday 4/26. Let me know if you want more info. I took this picture a few weeks ago, you can see DSP planted between the mule palm and the evergreen bird of paradise tree. Behind that are more plumerias that are in pots behind the screen wall....See MoreRyan Farrell
7 years agoDidn't really have too many questions about watering and when it will be 'drought proof'. It's on a drip watering system - we have tested the soil, gets plenty of water.
And my 'preconceived notion' is more of factual observation. Most Palo Verde's around here seem to usually have a rounder shape and not such a long trunk/stem as mine does. Here's a pic of what we were hoping it would look like.
Do you have any useful input on pruning?Ryan Farrell
7 years ago
Sara Malone Zone 9b