Yellow Acacia Trees

Description

• A yellow acacia tree's wood is tough. The wood often is used in the manufacture of items such as toys, cabinets, window and door sills and even ships. The wood also has been used for treenails used in the shipbuilding industry. The tree bark actually stays smooth in texture for 10 years to 15 years but then develops vertical furrows. The tree's leaves also feature leaflets that are shaped like eggs grouped in four to nine pairs. These leaflets typically are longer than an inch. Also, a yellow acacia tree's branches are filled with yellow flower clusters in the spring.

Condition

• Yellow acacia trees grow best in soil that is well-drained and relatively dry. In addition, the soil should be neutral or acidic, meaning the pH level should be 7 or lower. These trees thrive in sunshine. If planting them in a greenhouse during cooler months, from October to May, make sure the temperature remains around 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees.

Seeds

• You can grow acacia trees from seeds, which you should plant in the spring or summer. Soak the seeds a day prior to planting them. When starting them in a pot indoors, put the seeds 1/2 inch deep in a potting mix that is equal parts peat and sandy loam. You can keep the pots in a glass-covered case in the greenhouse and remove the case once seedlings begin to sprout. In a few weeks, the seedlings can go into their own individual 3-inch pots before you transplant them outdoors.

Cuttings

• You also can plant yellow acacia trees from cuttings by taking short side shoots and putting them in a sandy loam and peat potting mixture covered by a jar. Keep the inside of the jar dry each day and cut the young plants back to 3 inches tall once they reach 4 inches high. At this point, you also should trim the side shoots so that the trees will yield branches in the future.