esrosedotblog

SHORN

We have about 50 jacaranda trees in our condo complex. About one tree for three condos.

That is a lot of jacaranda.

They have been pruning them and finally reached our little pocket of the neighborhood.

It is a pretty radical operation. every branch is cut off the large trunk which heads at about ten feet or so.

Since the tree grows from this "branch head" and produces upright branches, the trees need to be dead headed from time to time and allowed to grow back otherwise the vigor will go into the large number of branches with less of the beautiful flowers.

I do not know if we will get flowering on the new branches this year.

Until we do, there will be a large stump out there in front.

Oddly, the bare trunks are not bad looking. They have a certain rough grace to them.

Incidentally, if you want a jacaranda in your yard, think twice. The blooms are gorgeous and have a lovely smell on the tree but on the ground the blooms become sort of mushy and almost impossible to clean up.

On concrete, they leave a purple dye.

The best place for a jacaranda is across the street on your neighbor's yard where you can see it in its blossomy glory and never do a lick of work cleaning up after it.

Labels: gardening