This patch of trees have been here for a long time,maybe 10-15yrs.Some of them are 6 in. So at three years of age they require more water than when first planted. This is an evergreen, but it sheds about 1/3 of its leaves in the last half of June. Suckers are vertically growing branches that sprout from the root system of the plant. I will always like my tree (as long as the roots don't create problems down the line). Here is a link that might be useful: World Website Promotions.com. You're welcome Jay. The genus Rhus also contained plants like poison Ivy and Poison Oaks ... although the family Rhus belongs to ( Anacardiaceae ) also contains and is called the "Cashew Family" . I also like that they do not require copius amounts of water. round. So if you want to know how a trees roots look stand back and look at the tree. Cal.The darn thing is a total mess. African sumac trees grow well in arid climates. I have 2 sage bushes and what a mess. The Stag’s Horn sumac (Rhus typhina) was a highly popular ornamental tree grown for its branching habit and large ash-like leaves on velvety branches.The foliage, which colours to fiery red in autumn, and produces brown conical fruiting heads make it … Description. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. I just got a sissoo from Moon Valley Nurseries. Going back to your question, I would still use an organic mulch. The Berries of the sumac are safe. Thanks for that comparison. Mine is a female, so it puts on thousands of seeds (nice bitter flavor)starting in January. So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.? By the way, did you know that Sumac spelled backwards is Camus--French author of "La Peste"--a story that is set in Africa? I have a narrow 5 ft planting area between my block retaining wall & the pool & need to plant something tall for privacy. Do you live in NE/Mid Atl.Mid West US? Everyone I've asked swears by these trees, but they are supposed to get big, and I'm worried to death about it right now. Each sucker will become another plant. Nothing else can be here!! Thanks for any info.Sheila. Here is a link that might be useful: African Sumac, It depends on how you're watering...If the African Sumac is on a drip system, which is common in Las Vegas, it is suggested that you water deeply (usually an hour or two) every week or two depending on the weather. Thank you, lazy_gardens Do all of the above have "pool & retaining wall"- friendly root systems? I bought the Sumacs as very tiny babies in 2004 as single trunks (Star Nursery had an overstock, apparently) and planted them. It depends on which kind of sumac you are talking about. I'm thinking of planting a Sumac in a fairly small raised cobblestone bed off the patio. Here in Las Vegas I ripped one out of my front lawn because of the daily mess it left during June, July, August. I am looking for a tree that can be pruned and shaped, won't grow any larger than 15-20 ft., drought resistant, have roots that won't cause problems with the patio and landscaping, and look unique (not just a one trunk tree with a round tall canopy). Litter from leaf, flower and seed drop. The African sumac is a medium size evergreen tree growing with a low branching habit, 20-30 ft. tall, and a round canopy of equal or greater width. "How does the African Sumac compare to the Chilean Mesquite Tree? Fast grower and reasonably neat, DENSE dark green foliage and it's evergreen in your area. I have two that are spaced 12 - 15 feet for about 9 year now they overlap a bit making a nice effect but need careful pruning....Good Luck. "But the beauty of these trees make it worth my while. round. I don't know why you in S. Nevada would not experience the same. You will need to replenish the bark once or twice a year by piling more. Within a couple of months, they already had weeds sprouting in the area. If anyone is still reading this -- I have several of these, includinga "volunteer" that began growing next to the house about 5 years ago.I didn't know what it was. Also an observation I've noticed is that the more water an African Sumac receives, the faster the growth. I like both trees ... Mesquites are a bit tougher all around ... more suitable for xeriscapes ... Summacs have the cold sensative thing hanging over them but I have not seen any problems with them in regard to cold in 13 years ... the true Chilean Mesquites can be deciduous to evergreen depending how cold it gets there is a hybrid Chilean that is deciduous ... you can't really tell the two apart that easy ... Summacs would do better with ample water and a more organic soil ... Mesquites do fine with a much leaner soil and too much water causes excessive growth ... neither tree needs much fertilizer if planted as above the Summac could use some as needed ... the Mesquite never needs fertilizer. I need to cover a 30-40 ft of wall. I would not be concerned about Summacs until temps drop toward 25 F and don't warm up much in the day like less then 35 ... and it has happened before ...... Don't overwater during the winter ... check your root zones every few days with a digging bar to see if you need to water .... hand watering is a good technique by the way if you have the time... you will have to check yourself but I would guess a good soaking at planting time then maybe twice per week for the first month or so ............. Good Day. What other needs do you have for this tree? Update 2: I live in the NE,New York. This is a highly recommended tree. It is effective as a screen or windbreak, and as an evergreen specimen. Gardeners must monitor their African sumac for sucker growth and keep their pruning saw ready. http://www.lvvwd.com/html/ws_watering_drip.html, http://www.lvrj.com/home_and_garden/35527734.html. Always have purple flowers floating around. Is this something normal when the temperatures get colder or could I be doing something wrong? If you go the gravel method, one thing I would suggest is that you DO NOT use plastic underneath the gravel. It may blend in better to the rest of the yard. We are all trying to help. We're an irrigation lot right now. I'm beginning to see roots extend out of the ground and towards the house. The African sumac in our front yard has a trunk that's 31 inches d.b.h. Only drawback is that it does send up young shoots a ways away from the parent tree but I always have folks who are waiting for the 'babies' so they can grow some! BTW how big do you want to get? 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Also - Dodonea (Hop bush) which can be sheared like a hedge. Hi, can anyone tell me when I can prune and how much to prune on a 20ft+/- multiple Sumac. We are thinking of converting to xeriscape, but if we do we need to make sure the sumac gets enough H2O. Controlling the spread of sumac may require a targeted herbicide or complex and repetitive mechanical measures. It also drops lots of leaves despite it's evergreen desciption !!! If anybody would like some African Sumacs, please dont go buy them. The bark chips will gradually decompose, improving the soil. Its fine textured foliage varies from pale green to deep olive-green and has a resinous smell when crushed. Elegant semi-weeping tree to 20 x 15 feet or more is an ideal choice for our climate. They do no prefer the warmer climates, in general. However, it is not known to inhabit Oklahoma and is only found where it is very wet, like a swamp. and 7thAv. You may need to call a professional herbicide applicator who can treat the stems with "garlon.". Make sure you get everythoing out, or you will have a nice new crop of young sumac following up your removal, although a little persistent weeding will take care of that. It's very pretty at times, but walking on the patio is now painful. Features. A pretty tree that can be shaped is the Desert Willow. Hopefully by keeping them pruned, that should be enough. Gee it's pretty. These seeds will grow if they are given half a chance, especially once you remove the parent tree. You can also use pine needles instead of bark.