Mimosa Tree

1. Planting: Soil testing is always recommended when planting a new plant. However, mimosa trees are highly adaptable to many different environments (except for salty soils). Your location should have well-draining soil and receive full sunlight (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day).

Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This will allow the roots to spread through the loosened soil in the early stages. Gradually back fill your hole with the amended soil and gently firm the soil down with a shovel. Make sure not to pile higher than the soil level, or crown, where the tree's roots meet the trunk. Water your planting site deeply with a slow trickling hose. You'll want to water enough in order to saturate down to about an inch below the soil.

2. Watering: It's very important that you water your Mimosa sparingly. The need for watering should only be during excessive dry spells. A steady flow of water from a hose for about 10 to 15 minutes, once every two weeks, should be enough.

3. Fertilizing: When fertilizing your Mimosa, select an all-natural, organic, slow-release tree fertilizer. Fertilize in the early part of the spring growing season when it's not too hot or cold. Check your forecast to be sure no heavy rainfall will occur within a couple of days of applying the fertilizer. Apply to the soil according to the package instructions.

4. Pruning: Your Mimosa will not require very much attention but could benefit from some minor pruning in the fall season. Remove branches growing along the lower trunk area at a 45-degree angle with sterilized pruning shears just beyond the neck collar (where the limb connects to the trunk). Thinner branches should be cut 3 to 5 inches from the end of the limb to promote thicker canopy growth.