Category: Trees In Arizona

The French author of ‘The Little Prince’ Antoine St. Exupery, notes: “It is too much to expect to sit in a shade of an oak this evening when you only planted the acorn this morning.”

As the manager of an Arizona tree company over the last several years, just the idea of a tree that grows rapidly gives off a little bit of a negative picture. Born and raised up in the Tempe/Mesa area, where my paternal family are natives of Arizona going back several generations. In learning more of the urban sprawl which has characterized this general area, and also by personally witnessing all of it during my lifetime still leaves my mouth with a bad taste. With that said, if I were asked which of the palm trees grows most rapidly, the first thing that would come to mind would if their main intention is in quickly boosting the value of their property. It’s natural that a landscaped yard that includes full grown trees is going to increase the value of one’s property. It seems that people never live in the same place as long as they once did, which makes it difficult to believe they ever devoted much time (if any) into the trees they had in their yard, not even to benefit from a future buyer. Now a day’s, it seems that having a “Heritage Tree” is now only a myth.

However, planting trees that will grow rapidly is not just motivated by the property’s value, it can also be for the gift of shade. It was Warren Buffet that once noted, “It has been noted by Warren Buffet that, “Today, someone was able to be under a shade due to another planting a tree in their past.” It is only natural that one would want to have a little shade when they live where there is only the climate a desert gives to you. It is also natural that they would want this shade as quickly as possible. As far as growth rate goes, there was this article about the ‘Arbor Day Foundation’ website which stated, “Species that tend to grow the slowest, also tend to live the longest.” There seems to be some sort of natural compromise in this saying. Below, there are several trees listed that were taken from the Houston Chronicle’s published article which the author warns people that, “It is crucial to gather as much information on the tree you are planning on planting beforehand, as many of these types of palms that are fast growers are later on going to be trouble later on. The wood could be weak, making them prone to getting diseases and infested with insects. However, there are a few exceptions, so be sure to gather all the information available before you plant.”

Below is a list of fast growing trees, with the first couple listed being the most appropriate for the Phoenix, Arizona’s climate and the areas soil conditions.

The following are examples for the trees which are known to be fast growers:

• The varieties of Palo Verde, the (genus: Cercidium), the variety that is one off the faster to grow is the Sonoran Palo Verde, and also the Hybrid Palo Verde’s, like the desert museum or the Sonoran Emerald Palo Verde.
• The different varieties of the Mesquite: With the one to grow the fastest being the Argentine Mesquite (Prosopis Alba).
• The Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis).
• The Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia).
• The Drummond red maple (Acer Rubrum Drummondii).
• The Montezuma cypress (Taxodium Mucronatum).
• The Green ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica).
• The Arizona ash (Fraxinus Velutina).
• The Mexican sycamore (Platanus Mexicana).
• The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides).
• The Monterrey oak (Quercus Polymorpha).
• The Chinese Parasol tree (Firmiana Simplex).
• The Paulownia varieties, which includes the Paulownia Tomentosa, Paulownia Kawakamii, etc., Other examples of the common names are: The Chinese Empress tree, Japanese Pagoda tree, Sapphire Dragon tree, and Miracle tree; all grow fast.
• The Cherry Laurel (Prunus Caroliniana).

Alternatively, several examples of the slower growing trees grown around the Phoenix, Arizona area are as follows: The Live Oak, Mangosteen, Desert Ironwood, and the Chinese Pistache. In fact, there are many more, with all of them having their advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on what it is you have planned for your yard. I do hope that this article on Arizona’s fastest growing trees has been beneficial to you in one way or another. If you received nothing out of this article, at least hope that you now understand how important it is to research before buying a planting your new trees. It’s always best to know a head of time what it is your looking for and what your expecting from it, in order to be successful. Now that it has all been summed up, I will end with an old Chinese proverb: “The best time to have planted a tree would have been about twenty years before now. However, your second-best time would be now.”

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The Arizona Ash tree, also known as Fraxinus velutina is a popular choice in the area because they can adapt well with the hot sunny environment. Because of this, there are a wide variety of ash trees commonly found throughout Arizona. There are more than 65 ash tree species, which can be found on Wikipedia listed in accordance with the region they are located. However, not all woody plants containing ‘ash’ are an actual ash tree, for example the prickly ash and mountain ash are not from genus Fraxinus (meaning, not a real ash tree).

Types Of Arizona Ash Trees

The following lists just some varieties of ash trees found in Arizona:

• Chichuahua ash – Fraxinus papillosa
• Goodding ash – Fraxinus gooddingii
• Fragrant ash – Fraxinus cuspidate
• Singleleaf ash – Fraxinus anomala
• Littleleaf ash – Fraxinus greggii
• Arizona ash – Fraxinus vulutina (also referred to as ‘modesto ash’ and ‘velvet ash’.
• Shamel as – Fraxinus uhdei (also referred to as ‘tropical ash’)
• Fantex ash –  Fraxinus velutina (also referred to as ‘Rio Grande ash’)
• Green ash – Fraxinus pennsylvanica (also referred to as ‘water ash’ or ‘swamp ash’)
• Raywood ash – Fraxinus oxycarpa

There are various positive features about the Arizona ash tree, but all things have a downside. The ash tree was labeled by Horticulturist Calvin R. Finch, Ph.D. as being ‘trash trees’ due to them being partly messy and only having a lifespan up to 30 years.

The Arizona ash tree sheds leaves after the growing season is over, making them deciduous. Of course, many tree varieties are considered to be a messy tree, but the positive side is that the majority of ash trees only shed leaves for a couple weeks. Additionally, the majority of ash tree varieties will produce seedlings one time per year (in large amounts), or throughout the year. This all depends on the gender of the tree, and which species it is. When it comes to having an ash tree, and you want your landscape looking clean you will need to rake on occasion.

Most ash trees grow very quickly, which is great for adding shade. However, this also has its downsides. The quicker trees grow, the more likely they are to have surface roots. Ash tree roots commonly grow near the surface anyway, but are more tolerant against rocky soil and alkaline. Watson and Gilman described green ash trees in a Fact Sheet, reporting the surface roots may “lift sidewalks, curbs, and be a nuisance when mowing”. Meanwhile, Finch quickly indicated the quick growth creates another downside, common with ash trees, “Unless they are pruned regularly, they can quickly grow into a tangled mess causing branch dieback.” You should prepare to have ash trees trimmed every few years, which promotes healthy canopy and branch structure growth.

If ash trees are not trimmed, it can lead to branches being weak and breaking when multiple trunks gather too close. This creates a hazard from structural failure. The best approach is to establish a single ‘central trunk’ during the tree’s youth. Prior to planting your new ash tree, you want to ensure the yard will be large enough to old it as well. Depending on the variety of ash tree, they can range from 40ft to 50ft when mature, with some reaching over 80ft high. All ash trees will provide a round, full canopy with great shade.

Similar to other plants, Arizona ash trees are also vulnerable to different types of disease and pests. These include different fungal infections, mildews, rust disease, leaf scorch, and many types of pests from carpenter worms and webworms to mites and borers. The Verticillium wilt is especially harmful as it is soil-borne fungus. There are regions around the country, especially in the Midwest, where thousands of ash trees have been killed off by emerald ash borer’s. However, Arizona ash trees have been lucky enough to evade this issue, so far. You can learn more regarding the emerald ash borer at Emerald Ash Borer. When trees have poor environmental conditions, it increases their vulnerability to these type of issues, making it important to maintain the tree’s defense with proper fertilizing and watering.

With your efforts of maintaining Arizona ash trees, it is encouraged that you research the species available, because each one has their own range of unique qualities. Dennis G. Watson and Edward F. Gilman have created a tree fact series including hundreds of tree and shrub species, both being University of Florida professors. This would be a great resource to learn the basic information on certain trees you’re interested in. They are partly provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service.

If well maintained, ash trees are beautiful and lush. However, when ash trees are not properly cared for they can become a nasty sight, and increases the risk of tree disease and pests. Although there are ash tree varieties which are rather resistant to drought, the majority of them will require regular watering. The best setting would be flood irrigation systems. Therefore, if your landscape is not irrigated, you should use a garden hose to mimic this, and do a deep watering one or twice monthly.

If you are located within Arizona and you desire to have a healthy and great looking ash tree in your yard, you should prepare yourself for the increased water bill each month. You’ll also want to remember to regularly fertilize the ash tree(s), placing mulch down will also help. By applying mulch, you will increase the quality of the soil, as the organic matter will break down over time. However, mulch also assists with retaining the moisture, meaning watering less often.

Although Arizona ash trees are not the simplest tree varieties to care for, they can be well worth the extra work. When properly taken care of, ash trees will provide amazing shade, and enhance the overall landscape.

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Mesquite trees are a part of Arizona. Jay Sharp who is the editor and author for DesertUSA.com has stated that mesquite trees symbolize the Southwestern deserts just as much as scorpions, prickly pear cacti, the Saguaro, Western Diamondback, the Black tailed Jackrabbit and the Coyote do. It is true that the mesquite trees in Arizona are a part of life there just like tortillas and cornbread.

Perfectly Adapted to the Desert

Mesquite trees are a hardy desert tree that has adapted over centuries to live in desert landscapes around and in Arizona. The physical characteristics of these trees help to ensure survival which include the bean pods, root systems and foliage. They happen to grow well in high temperatures and full sun, but they do not tolerate the cold during the winter. They are often found within high elevation areas and can adapt to rocky, shallow soils. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service has stated that mesquite trees can live for more than two centuries.

The mesquite trees that are in Arizona are able to survive where there will be hardly any type of rain due to their unique root system. The Mesquite tree’s lateral roots that is has can reach out much further than the canopy ever will. Not to mention they happen to have tap roots that go very deep to get water  well beyond 150 feet down, however 50 feet down is more typical. So, the mesquite tree will have access to water both at the bottom and top layers of soil.

The leaflets of the mesquite tree are tiny and waxy and they can retain moisture by minimizing the moisture that is lost through transpiration. The mesquite tree is deciduous which means that they give great shade during summer but will drop leaves and allow the sun to shine on it during the winter to keep warm. During times of extreme drought, they will lessen transpiration even more by prematurely dropping their leaves.

Mesquite trees are considered to be of the legume family which means that it is adapted to arid environments. They also have the ability to fertilize themselves and the surrounding plants using a symbiotic relationship with the soil bacteria colonies. The bacteria that will inhabit the roots of the mesquite tree will fix or convert atmospheric nitrogen which makes it available within the soil. It is a mineral that is essential for the germination and growth of plants. Most gardeners will use the same type of process to enrich their soil by actually using cover crops that are nitrogen fixing.

The mesquite trees that are within Arizona are very prolific. The beans from the tree are very durable when encased within their pods. If a seed has been undisturbed then it can be viable up to about 40 years. Animals will play a big part in the scarification of the seeds which is actually need for germination and the dispersal through their fecal matter.

The Appearance

A mesquite tree is really easy to idenfity, as they look like giant fern bushes. They are able to reach up to 30 feet tall, but the average tree that is growing in the wild are going to be half that size. Most will have multiple trunks and under the harshest conditions, the mesquite tree will look more like a bush than a tree. The branch structure will be jointed and twisted which adds to their uniqueness. During the early summer and spring, they will have finger shaped items that are covered in tiny little flowers. They happen before the formation of the bean pods which are a brown color, but it can vary based on the species. Most mesquite trees will have thorns which can be very long or short and very sharp.

The Arizona Mesquite Tree Natives and their Cousins

There are around 40 different mesquite varieties that are found all over the globe, but there are only 3 species that are native to Arizona. They not only grow in the Mojave Desert, but also in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. The range of these trees is amazing as they span from California to western Texas, from southern Utah to Mexica. They are able to survive in a variety of areas that are found within this area.

The 3 mesquite tree species for Arizona are:

• Prosopis pubescens: These are called screwbean mesquites which earned its name from the coiled or spiraled shape of the seed pods.
• Prosopis glandulosa: Is called the Texas Mesquite or honey Mesquite. They are normally have a weeping form and is very pretty.
• Prosopis velutina: Is called the native mesquite or Arizona mesquite. It is also called the velvet mesquite because of the soft hairs that cover the young. They are shaggy and snarled and are very popular in nurseries and will grow well on golf courses and lawns.

Besides these mesquite trees, there are a lot of other types of mesquite trees that happen to grow within Arizona. There are hybrids of Screwbean, honey and velvet mesquite, which happen mostly where the species happen to overlap. There are other nonnative species which originate from South America. There is the Chilean mesquite and Argentine mesquite as well as other hybrids and varieties. The nonnative species will be suited to the climate that is here just like the ones that are native to Arizona. For instance, the Chilean mesquite isn’t as tolerant of winter temperatures in Arizona.

Despite all of the positive qualities, mesquite trees are actually considered to be an invasive weed. In most countries outside of South and North American where they have been introduced, they are extremely invasive and a big issue especially in Australia.

Mesquite trees are also cursed by the inhabitants within the Arizona desert. Cattlemen especially hate them, but overgrazing by herds over the previous centuries have really made the problem that they complaint about, which is that the competition with the grass. In areas that are overgrazed, the cattle are not only threatening the population of natural grass that have often competed with mesquites for water, but it also helps the trees by eating as well as then dispersing mesquite seeds. All of the efforts that have been made to stop and control the mesquite tree have failed and it has been stated to be ineffective and impractical. Whether it be done by herbicide, physical removal, or fire, the costs and side effects to the environment by trying to control the population and spread has made it an issue without an easy solution.

Many arborists state that whether it is a welcomed thing or unwanted item, the mesquite tree belongs in the desert. They have evolved in the desert and they actually play a main role to the desert ecosystem.

Historical Significance and the modern uses

Over the centuries, there hasn’t been another plant that has played a vital role to the population within the southwestern United States than the mesquite tree. Mesquite trees that are all over the southwest have saved plenty of lives. The have provided nutrition for the men on the 1841 Texas Santa Fe Expedition as the beans from the mesquite tree were nutritious, sweet and protein rich.

Another type of food that will come from a mesquite tree within Arizona is honey. The swarms of bees that are attracted to the mesquite flower nectar will do more than just fill in as a role for pollinator. However, this doesn’t complete the list of foods that come from the mesquite tree. Even the sap has been used as black dye or sweet gum.

When the pods without or with the beans inside is called Pinole. It can be used as a flour or as a spice or condiment because of the sweetness. The flour is also considered to be quite healthy for those who are diabetic, as the flour is sweetened using fructose, which your body is able to process without having to use any insulin. That is just a single advantage that a mesquite tree has to offer.

There are also other parts of mesquite trees that have been used as a remedy for various illnesses by settlers and Indians in the frontier era. For instance, the mesquite tree was used to ease and heal colic, sore throat, ailing eyes, headaches, flesh wounds, dysentery, and diarrhea.

The pods, wood and bark of the mesquite trees are very popular to use for barbeques. The dry wood will burn slowly and hot with very little smoke. It has a very unique aroma. Some have insisted that burning the pods with the wood chips and charcoal can make the flavor much richer. Besides for cooking and for heat, the wood has also been used to construct Spanish missions, ranch fencing and houses, and colonial haciendas. The Native Americans have used the mesquite wood for arrowheads and spears, and the bark was used to make fabrics and baskets. The thorns from the tree were often used as a needle. Now the wood is valuable for sculptures making and furniture because of the gnarled patterns and dark colors.

The Arizona Mesquite trees are not only beneficial for humans but for wildlife as well. Animals will use the mesquite trees as food, shelter and habitat. During the fall and summer, the mesquite beans will make up about 80% of a coyote’s diet. The bean pods can even be used for fodder for livestock whenever the grass isn’t enough.

Maintenance, Treatments and Issues

Even though the mesquite tree doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, the ones that are growing around your home could use some extra care whenever there is a very hot summer or during extended droughts. Sun-scorch happens to be is one issue that could hurt a mesquite tree that has been planted within the landscape, however they aren’t as susceptible as a citrus tree. Deep watering every now and again and some occasional fertilization will help to make sure that the mesquite trees are around won’t decline in beauty of health.

During the times when there is plenty of rain, mesquite trees will not need any extra watering. However, when there is a drought, the leaves will become sparse and will allow more sun through the branches. This is caused by the need in cities to keep mesquites thinned out to survive heavy winds and storms, so that it won’t cause damage to structures and homes. If the bark is exposed to too much sun, sun-scorch can happen, especially in direct sunlight. Sun-scorch will cause permanent damage to the sapwood layer under the bark. The dead tissue and cracked bark can cause a secondary infection and infestations like sooty canker and bark beetles.

Sun-scorch can be prevented but it can’t be undone. Reflective paint when placed on vulnerable branches will help a mesquite from being sun damaged. The branches that are affected, need to be removed. The best way to prevent sun scorch is to encourage leaf growth to protect the tree during hot parts of the year by watering and fertilizing. If you give the tree ammonium sulfate once during spring, it helps. Unless it is fed by sprinklers or drippers, water the tree deeply every 2 months from early spring to fall. If monsoons bring plenty of water, then you will not need to deep water.

Mesquite trees that are planted in someone else’s property may not be as strong as the trees in the desert. Most likely they are nursery grown that was planted for use in landscaping and has spent time in a pot. The more time that the tree spends in a pot, the more likely it is to be root bound. Impaired root systems can make a tree struggle to receive what water they need to live, but also makes it prone to falling over because the anchoring isn’t very sturdy. You can try as hard as you want, but it is near impossible to make a wobbly tree anchor into the ground. Whenever you place stronger stakes and wires and putting the tree back in place when it falls, then you are just prolonging the inevitable. The absolute best thing that you can do for a severely unstable tree is to just remove it and then start all over using a healthy tree.

Check out this article that talks about wobbly mesquite trees to gather more information on how you can prevent it and even fix it: http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/articles/17.29.html

If nothing else, we certainly do hope that this article about mesquite trees within Arizona can help to increase the appreciation for this wonderful native plant as a tree that certainly belongs in the desert that all Arizonan’s call home.

As J. Frank Dobie once stated, “Primroses burn their yellow fires, where grass and roadway meet; feathered and tasseled like a queen, is every old mesquite.”

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.