[secondnature]

I know that the Mimosa Tree is a FAST growing tree. I am wondering about pruning it to keep it small....anyone out there that has pruned this tree successfully to keep in more of a small tree, both vertically and laterally?

AND...has anyone tried the 'Chocolate' variety??

Thank You!

[NCSULandscaper]

we can no longer use mimosa trees here because their life expectancy is 5 years tops, you can just about put the date on the calendar because of vascular wilt. plus the fact they are so messy and invasive id be scared to put on on a customers property

[trees]

Ditto NCSU. I don't use them because of the wilt and weed factor. I think they're beautiful and enjoy seeing them around, but won't plant one (even the 'Chocolate' variety -- which is admittedly cool).

[VoodooChile]

I was just in Maryland and Pennsylvania and there were large 20-30' specimens everywhere. Is the vascular wilt more of a southern problem?

[Dot Pecson]

No, we most certainly have the Mimosa Wilt around here. It's just not quite as predictable as the 5-year limit, that's all.

But guaranteed it will die - suddenly and completely.

Also, the re-seeding factor is a valid reason for not planting a mimosa as well - it's a great way to get your neighbors p-o'd at you!

Too bad. Like Trees, I enjoy the Mimosas. Their flowers have a uniquely-delicate aroma, and those feathery leaves fold up at night. I remember collecting the seeds as a child to make a bean-bag. (Took lots of seeds.)
Dot

[secondnature]

Here in the land of rain and more rain (just a little cooler) there are quite a few that are large and majestic. They are matter of fact HUGE!

So, i can do a little more asking around in my neck of the woods and will let you know what i fine out.

They are pretty trees....!

Thanks!

[Forge]

I worked in a nursery for a few years a while back that had one that we keep fairly well pruned and did not have much issues with dieback. As far as I know, they do not have the wilt problem so much here in the Northwest, as I have planted quite a few and have never seen one die, the one in the nursery was over 15 years old and we never had problems with it seeding itself either, but the flowers were definitely a huge mess to contend with, moreso because it was planted in a mass of erica and you had to pick all the flowers out.

As far as the chocolate variety goes, I just can't justify spending $100 dollars on a 5 gallon plant that always looks like crap, I have never seen a decent looking specimen to even consider showing it to a client.

[secondnature]

thank you Forge!

I have a number of them in my 1950's neighborhood (they must have been popular that era!) and they "hover" over the smallish houses and properties with their large, sprawling shape. They almost look like an African tree!

I am just not sure if a person can successfully prune them, I mean really restrain them so that they stay about 12 feet tall and 15 feet diameter and have them look decent. Their form is naturally so sprawling.

I guess I will leave that to my client. I have forewarned them and they still want one!