Mimosa trees, also known as Persian silk trees, are fast growing trees that require regular pruning. With its fragrant, fluffy pink flowers from April to July and its feathery, fern-like foliage, this small to medium deciduous tree is an eye-catcher, which explains why it is commonly planted in many parts of the United States where winters are relatively mild (USDA Zones 6-9). .
Note that the mimosa tree is invasive in many locations, and pruning only controls its vigorous suckering and crown growth, but not its numerous seed spreads. Many gardeners regret planting a tree, and when they try to get rid of it, they often find that it takes repeated efforts to kill it.
Warning
mimosa tree (news julibrissin) is considered invasive in several warm-climate states, including California, Texas, and Florida. The seeds are widely dispersed by wind, water or wildlife and remain viable for years. In addition to being invasive, the seeds contain a neurotoxin that is toxic to livestock and dogs when ingested.
When to prune mimosa trees
Pruning to shape the tree should be done in autumn or winter during the dormant period. Removal of dead or damaged branches can be done at any time of the year.
Mimosa trees grow with one central trunk or several smaller trees. Decide early on how you want your mimosa tree to grow and prune the young tree accordingly.
Pruning the crown of mimosa to maintain its shape is usually started when the tree is about three years old.
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How to prune mimosa trees
The goal of pruning a mimosa tree is to maintain its growth habit (a tree with one or more trunks) and to keep its crown in a natural shape with a compact size.
- To prune a mimosa tree, use clean, sharp scissors and shears sterilized with one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water or rubbing alcohol.
- Remove any dead or damaged branches and any crossing branches that might rub against each other. This can be done whenever you notice them.
- During dormancy between fall and late winter, remove any suckers growing from the base of the tree.
- Remove any shoots emerging from the lower third of the trunk or any shoots below head level. As the tree matures, the crown should begin above head level.
- Cut the top of the tree to a flat shape, then prune each branch to five or six buds. Limit pruning to no more than one-third of the crown growth.
If you’ve pruned your mimosa tree too much or at the wrong time of year, don’t worry – the tree is extremely hardy and will almost certainly recover.
Even mimosa trees that have been cut to the ground will sprout again, much to the dismay of home gardeners who wanted to get rid of mimosa trees in their yard.
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How to Prune Dealbat Acacia
In addition news julibrissin, the common mimosa tree in the United States, also exists Acacia dealbatamimosa tree which is also in the pea family of another species. Other names for the tree are florist’s mimosa, silver wattle and blue wattle. It is a shrub or small tree native to southeastern Australia and a potentially invasive plant in the United States.
Circumcision Acacia dealbata is slightly different from news julibrissin. This mimosa blooms with golden yellow flowers in late winter and should be pruned in the spring after flowering when there is no longer any danger of frost.
Trim the tree to maintain its natural umbrella-shaped crown and remove any overlong or unruly branches. The same rule of never removing more than one-third of the growth applies.
FAQ
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Mimosa trees are short-lived trees with an average lifespan of 30 years.
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Yes, outside of their native area in the Middle East and Asia, mimosa trees are considered bad to grow. They are invasive in many countries, including the USA. Like most fast-growing trees, their wood is brittle and branches break easily, creating a hazard.
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Yes, mimosa trees are considered messy trees. They litter the ground with their spent flowers and seed pods, requiring significant cleanup.