[Arid_gardener] Rhus lancea

[Tyler Storey]

Barbara, good morning.
Rhus lancea doesn't have particularly invasive or aggressive roots, and so
shouldn't be of notable concern for breaking a pool or lifting pavement.

Having said that, however, the African Sumac is generally considered a poor
choice near a pool because it's extremely messy.  The three-leaflet leaves
are the perfect size and configuration to litter a pool and challenge your
pool-cleaning system.  The female trees produce a profusion of small round
seeds, which are not only messy but will also sprout as a weed everywhere
around your yard.  As a weed, these seedlings often come up through existing
shrubs and are notoriously difficult to eliminate.  

Rhus lancea also sprouts large numbers of basal suckers (small and vigorous
branches from the base of the trunk), and these will need to be removed
carefully and frequently if you want the tree to look good.

If the tree is not yet planted, you may find better choices.  If it is
already in the ground, then you at least needn't be too concerned about pool
damage.

Thanks much,
Tyler

tyler at tylerstorey.com
http://tylerstorey.com
602-738-2978

-----Original Message-----
From: arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu
[mailto:arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu] On Behalf Of
thegreenpatch at sbcglobal.net
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:28 PM
To: arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

barbara
92227
thegreenpatch at sbcglobal.net

CAN A AFRICAN SUMMAC, RHUS LANCEA BE PLANTED CLOSE TO A SWIMMING POOL.
CONCERNED ABOUT THE ROOTS GOING TOWARDS POOL AND BREAKING IT.  THE TREE HAS
BEEN PLANTED ABOUT 8-10 FT.  FROM THE POOL.  THANKS.


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