How to Care for a Sambucus Mexicana Tree

Grow Sambucus mexicana in full sun. Plant the tree in sandy, clay or loamy soils that drain well because wet conditions will promote verticillium wilt. Consider that the tree grows up to 35 feet wide and 25 feet tall when selecting a permanent planting site.

Irrigate newly planted Sambucus mexicana trees once to twice weekly for four to six weeks. Saturate the root ball with water. Water established trees every one to two weeks, for the best foliage and production of blooms and fruits. Treat premature leaf drop caused by hot and dry conditions by applying additional water applications.

Prune young Sambucus mexicana trees to establish a strong trunk structure. Prune away multiple trunk branches to one strong, center branch, when growing a single-trunk tree. Cut off unwanted branches at ground level using hand pruners or loppers. Thin the bottom branches to three to five strong branches when growing trees with multiple trunks.

Maintain the tree’s size and shape by pruning away unwanted portions using clippers, hand pruners or loppers. Trim off bottom portions of the canopy to create clearance under the tree. Prune off suckers growing around the tree or on the trunk and branches as soon as sprouting occurs.

Treat fungus problems sometimes infecting old and wet tree wood. Decrease water applications if the soil conditions are continuously too wet. Prune off heavily infected and damaged or dead portions of the tree. Spray the tree with a fungicide safe for use on Sambucus mexicana. Follow the product’s directions concerning amounts, frequency and application procedures.