Acacia Tree Care: Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for a tree to plant around your Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, or Chandler? Are you interested in caring for an acacia tree? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about acacia tree care.
Doing so will help you understand what it takes to care for and nurture these beautiful trees into a well-developed attraction in your front or backyard. The good news is that they don’t require a crazy amount of maintenance, so they’re perfect for beginners.
See below for an in-depth guide on Acacia tree care and everything that you should know to take good care of it.
Fun Facts About Acacia Trees
Before we dive into Acacia tree care, let’s first learn a thing or two about these beautiful and natural pieces of art. If you understand the tree better, a few things about nurturing and caring for it will become apparent. See below for several interesting facts.
1. They Need Full Sunlight Exposure
What makes an acacia tree the perfect tree to grow in Arizona? Perhaps the fact that they require full sunlight. As much as nature can spare for them.
Many people ask “where do acacia trees grow?”. There you have it, anywhere direct sunlight and soil are available.
It’s perfect for beginners since sunlight is the main component that it needs. We’ll dive more into the watering aspects in a bit, but you’ll be pleased to know that it can grow in almost any type of soil.
If you don’t think the acacia tree will get the water it needs, which is common in our region, then you should consider hiring a professional landscaper to install an irrigation system. That won’t just benefit the acacia tree, but any other plants you’re growing as well.
2. There are 160 Different Varieties
That’s right, there are over 160 different varieties in the acacia family tree alone (see what we did there?).
They’re part of the legume family and are known for their long, stranded leaves. Such acacia varieties include:
- Mimosa
- Sweet Acacia
- Espinillo
- Knifeleaf Acacia
- Koa
- Baily Acacia
- Black Locust
- Albizia
- Umbracullifera
- Willow Acacia & more
Many acacia trees attract bugs (in a good way) because of the sweet nectar that they store in their flowers.
3. They Have Natural Protection
Protection won’t be an issue with an acacia tree. While many other plants risk being destroyed by local wildlife, Acacia trees have several different forms of protection. Some natural, some circumstantial.
Most acacia tree varieties have long thorns on them and a flavor that animals find undesirable. These two components alone will ward off potential pests.
However, we did mention the sweet nectar, which often attracts fire ants. These two work together to benefit one another.
The acacia tree offers its nectar to the ants, who never take more than needed. In return, the ants set up shop in the tree and sting any other animals that go to take a bite. Isn’t nature amazing?
How to Apply Proper Acacia Tree Care
So… how can you be the best acacia tree owner possible? Here’s the good news: you won’t have to do much. The bar is set extremely low.
That’s because acacia trees can fend for themselves. As previously mentioned, all they really need is full sunlight, which shouldn’t be a problem since you live in Arizona!
There are a few steps that you can take to protect it, especially when the tree is still relatively young. Here’s more information below.
1. Provide Protection
As we mentioned before, most acacia trees have natural ways of protecting themselves. But those defense mechanisms (such as the thorns) take time to develop.
You’ll want to give it all the protection it needs from animals that might want to eat it. You can ward off wildlife by creating a physical fence barrier made of chicken wire, wrapping your trees, or (if you know the specific animal that’s pestering it) investing in some repellant.
If you’re unsure of what you’re going up against, consider placing a security camera in front of the tree, then make adjustments!
2. Apply Water Sparingly
Perhaps this is the reason that acacia trees work best in Arizona: they require almost no water. All they need is sunlight. They retain water extremely well.
In fact, most experts go so far as to say that you should put more focus on giving it proper fertilizer than water. Still, it is a plant. Give it water as you see fit, but certainly don’t get carried away.
Remember, too much water can actually spread a fungal disease on the tree or welcome unwanted pests in its crevices.
3. Don’t Prune Too Often
If you’re going to prune the acacia tree(s) on your property, be sure to hire a professional landscaping service to do it.
Acacia trees don’t need to be pruned too often. In fact, they only need preventative maintenance by cutting off the dead growths. But there’s a trick to doing it right, so contact Jose Knows Trees for acacia tree planting and care.
They’ll know what needs to be pruned and what should be left alone. If you prune too much, you’ll stunt the tree’s growth. Better to leave it to someone that can identify the signs.
Acacia Tree Care: A Perfect Tree for Any Family
Now that you have seen how little acacia tree care is required, it’s obvious why they’re one of the most popular trees on Arizona properties.
For more information, or to get help with trimming your Acacia’s please be sure to contact Jose via our contact page and we will be happy to assist you further.