Paloverdes

Taveling throughout the state recently made it clear to me how beautiful and unique the desert is. The Paloverde bloom slowly gave way to the magnificent bloom of Ironwood trees.

se old majestic trees offer bloom variations from light lavendar to deep purple. The bloom marks the beginning of summer as no other event. According to veteran 'desert rats' the intensity of bloom heightens the drier the season. It has not been much drier than this spring in recent memory so get out an enjoy it.

this tree, or other desert trees have impressed you now is a great time to plant them. While the heat makes it dicier for most other plants the desert trees respond well to early summer planting. It has to do with their root biology.

Most other trees have finished their major root growth for the spring. Ironwoods, Paloverdes, Acacias and Mesquites are just starting. Planting now takes advantage of this natural root growth period. The trees get off to a faster start.

When planting try to remember how they survive in the desert. Dig the hole no deeper than the rootball but much wider. Organic amendments in the soil are not as necessary as using the same bark materials placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture. Leave any side shoots along the trunk. In nature they shade, cool and protect you trees. As they mature the shoots will slough off or can be pruned off in a couple years. Water every couple days the first summer and much less frequently in summers to come.

Choose a tree that can stand on its own after planting. A tree not needing staking to hold the trunk is a better choice. If do you find such a tree staking is still important. The best value in staking is keeping the rootball from shifting during the first season. Even a nice stocky, shrubby tree should be staked for rootball stability. It may look silly but the reward is a stronger root system getting established.

Remember the staking is for only a season and check the ties monthly and loosen them if needed to avoid girdling. After the first year a healthy non- over-watered desert tree will grow and become a nice addition to any landscape. Avoid the temptation to water them a lot after the first year. Let them grow a normal rate so they have a better chance to live years and years.

This weekend, in particular should be a fitting weekend to plant a wonderful desert tree. Besides the fortuitous timing what better memorial to a lost veteran than a tree to live in his or her memory?

Written by Terry Mikel, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 602-470-8086.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Republic
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