How Long Does Tamarisk Take to Grow?

Climatic Conditions

• Tamarisk trees originated in the eastern Mediterranean, so they are adapted to arid, hot conditions. They tolerate drought, heat and salty air or soil with minimal damage, although younger specimens might suffer cold damage at the lower end of their USDA hardiness zone range. Additionally, unlike other species within the genus, tamarisk trees will thrive in humid locations without developing bacterial or fungal infections in their foliage.

Growing Site

• The resilience and carefree growth of tamarisk trees allows them to adapt to a range of growing conditions. However, they will look better and live longer if planted under ideal conditions. Full sun exposure is essential to growing a healthy, attractive tamarisk tree because shade can encourage leggy growth. Unlike most trees, tamarisk trees prefer very poor soil with low moisture retention and might perform poorly if provided with fertilizer or too much water. Additionally, high salinity, acidity and alkalinity in the soil will not damage tamarisk trees as long as the soil drains quickly.

Care

• Perhaps the most attractive trait of tamarisk trees is their low-maintenance care requirement. Weekly watering for the first summer after planting will help maximize their drought tolerance at maturity, but they seldom require supplemental watering once established. Feeding is not recommended and may, in fact, produce weak or spindly growth. Yearly pruning will encourage bushy growth and will keep the trees from becoming top-heavy. However, pruning should be done after the flowers fade in late spring because they bloom on new growth and early pruning will decrease the number of buds.

Considerations

• Tamarisk trees thrive despite poor growing conditions and neglect. While this makes them useful for landscaping in marginal areas, it also allows them to become invasive. Avoid growing tamarisk trees in arid regions with a high water table, and install root barriers to limit suckering growth. Male trees produce no viable seed, so choose them over female trees to limit their reproductive capabilities. Most commercial nurseries sell saplings propagated from a known male tree to curb the species' invasiveness; however, it is best to ask the nurseryman to make sure the trees aren't female. Tamarisk trees provoke an allergic response in many people, so plant them well away from heavily trafficked areas to limit possible interaction with the leaves.