Mimosa Tree

CM · Post by CM » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:36 pm

If I prune our Mimosa tree back to the "old wood" will I get new growth from where I pruned?

Please respond a.s.a.p. please as I have a very "gung-ho" pruner about to let loose on my tree!

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 5:36 pm

How old is your Mimosa CM?
Is it a fairly young tree? If so, for the first few years the branches should be cut back by up to half(every year) and you can do this while tree is in flower.
I had one at garden near Porches and I would take cut branches into apartment for the lovely perfume!

One of my favourite trees....apart from Jacarandas!

elle · Post by **elle** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 6:03 pm

Sorry CM .just realised I didnt answer your question properly...yes.if you cut right back it will resprout....they are very rapid growers!
Depends what youve got and what you want...if its a youngster you can either have a rounded'bush' shape or let it grow straight/upright!
Hope this is of help

..ellie

CM · Post by CM » Mon Nov 08, 2004 7:43 am

Thanks Elle, It is the older version and I think we want it standing tall and proud !

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 4:22 pm

Hi Ellie, I have two Mimosa trees which I grew from tiny seedlings they are now about two years old and I have planted them out in the garden, well sheltered from the winds etc. I havn't cut them back at all as yet, should I? and what would happen if I don't will they just grow tall and spindly? Do I need to prune them to make them bushy?
Thanks for the help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:30 pm

As well as keeping them staked for several years..going by the book Lesley its advised to cut the branches back by 'up to half' each year for first few years.
But...if you want it to develop into multi-branched tree with nice canopy..then dont prune..this is another school of thought..the trunk will thicken well and as you know they are very quick growers..
but if you want the bush shape then you can do that now.start to prune the shape you wish..
The tree I had at Porches was established..about 15 years old..and to be totally honest I knew very little then of 'tree gardening'..I was totally amateur..but I used to cut pieces of branches to take indoors. But I do believe that tree hadn't been touched much as far as pruning was concerned and it was a wonderful specimen maybe 16ft or more tall and had a lovely canopy.
So maybe just letting nature do its own stuff may be better choice?
Theres always risk with pruning..these trees are susceptible to fungi infection.
But with a bit of luck Lesley..Im sure your trees will give you good value& pleasure for next 20 years..or more!

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:21 am

Hi Ellie, thanks for the tips and advice, I think I will probably leave the trees to mature on their own, the back garden where I have planted them is quite large and could easily take two big trees, we cut down some four or five dead fir trees and then dug in loads of my muck heap before planting them and I must say they have taken off, and have been flowering since we replanted them.
Looking forward to planting some in our garden out in Lombos next visit, the calcada is nearly finished in the front so I will have properly defined gardens to plant up now. yipee