If you are lucky enough (or not, in some people’s opinion!) to have a glorious Jacaranda tree in your yard, you’ll know the majesty of these beauties when they’re in full bloom, with spectacular displays of purple flowers come October. Here we take a look at what’s involved with caring for Jacaranda trees, so you can ensure your tree stays strong and beautiful all year round, as well as what to consider if you are wanting to plant a Jacaranda.

Jacaranda Care And Maintenance Tips

1. Regularly Inspect

Carrying out regular inspections of your tree will highlight any changes or signs of potential ill-health which may need to be treated. Look for things such as:

• Presence of pests
• Presence of fungus
• Cracks in the trunk
• Peeling bark
• Leaf loss
• Discolouration of leaves
• Significant amount or increase in dead wood

2. Prune

Pruning is critical in caring for your Jacaranda. Regular pruning of any dead, diseased or damaged limbs will help keep your tree strong and healthy and less susceptible to pests and disease.

3. Add Mulch

Add mulch to the base of your tree to give it a healthy boost. Mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, keep pests and weeds away and adds nutrients when it breaks down

4. Water

Whilst Jacaranda trees are generally tolerant of dry conditions and can typically rely on seasonal rainfall alone for water, if you are experiencing unusually dry conditions, deep watering weekly will help reduce drought stress.

5. Fertilise

Jacarandas are generally known for being hardy and tough, however if your tree is slow-growing or is showing signs of distress, you may wish to apply a slow-release fertiliser suitable to the species in early Spring.

Planting A Jacaranda Tree

Before deciding to plant a Jacaranda tree, it’s important to note that Jacarandas are not native to Australia and are actually considered to be an invasive, environmental weed species by the Brisbane City Council and by councils in other areas of Australia, as they can out-compete native tree species. The Jacaranda’s ability to grow from seed allows them to spread from backyard gardens into bushland and other sensitive areas. It’s best to ask for advice from your Arborist and local council before planting if you are unsure.

 If you do decide to go ahead and plant a Jacaranda tree here are our top tips:

• Jacarandas prefer warm, frost-free climates in a sunny position, ideally with 6 – 8 hours of daily sunlight.
• Plant in a spot with deep and well-drained soil.
• Jacaranda trees do make a mess! They are deciduous and shed their leaves in winter and their flowers in early summer which can make surfaces slippery. Keep this in mind when selecting the position to plant your tree so that it doesn’t become a problem.
• Avoid planting near structures, pathways or pools to avoid possible damage from roots as well as from falling leaves and flowers.
• Ensure the position is large with enough space to accommodate a full-sized, mature tree, potentially up to 10 metres wide and 15 metres high.
• Be sure to protect your young tree until it is fully established and water regularly.
• Jacarandas don’t flower immediately. They usually take around 3 years to start flowering, more if grown from seed.

Hire An Arborist

Take the hassle out of caring for Jacaranda trees and hire a local Arborist to carry out your tree care and maintenance. Doing so will not only give your tree the very best care, but will also help ensure your safety as well as your home’s, save you time and money in the long run and ensure your purple beauty thrives long into the future.

Professional Jacaranda Tree Care

Need a hand with caring for Jacaranda trees? Call Brisbane’s Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our professional Jacaranda tree care and maintenance services. We are Brisbane locals and we have looked after hundreds of these iconic trees for over forty years. Whatever you need, we’ve got the solution! Whether it’s tree pruning or tree removals, beautiful forest mulch or Consulting Arborist Services, we’ve got you covered.