Arboriculture
Landscape Business a street tree is largely dependent on the amount of growing space and the site conditions it ’ s given ; jacaranda is most suited to larger sites where the tree roots have adequate , uncompacted soil volume .
According to Gare , Jacaranda mimosifolia does not like exposed or windy sites . As a young tree , it needs to be staked to keep it growing straight and strong . “ We ’ ve found that jacaranda benefits from formative pruning at years three and seven after planting ,” she said . It can be grown from both seed and cuttings . Jacaranda can grow in part shade , but it flowers best in full sun .
Felipe Alberto Fuentes Ramírez is an urban planner for the municipality of Calera de Tango in Chile . He said , “ The natural grace of its crown and its large , fragrant , violet-blue flowers make it one of the favorite species to plant along the streets and avenues of Santiago . That said , it should be noted that jacaranda ’ s canopy provides a modest amount of shade .”
According to Fuentes , in general , in Chile , the jacaranda does not suffer from the presence of many pests and diseases , except for the flowers and buds , which sometimes attract aphids that do not cause major damage .
“ We don ’ t recommended planting it along bicycle paths , since its fruits could affect mobility ,” said Fuentes . “ Apart from that , it can be used along streets and avenues with low vehicular flow and reasonable above- and below-ground planting space and , of course , in parks , squares , and gardens .”
Fuentes said that in arid parts of Chile , jacaranda is not very resistant to drought , so it is necessary to water it well during establishment , as well as during periods of low natural rainfall .
“ This requirement could be affecting the young specimens planted in central Chile , which is currently suffering from a severe drought due to climate change ,” he said .
“ However , its spectacular violet-blue flowering , which floods the urban landscape with a soft aroma and color in Chilean spring until early summer ( September to December ), and its elegant natural appearance and fine foliage put the jacaranda on the podium of the most attractive trees currently planted in our country ,” added Fuentes .
The mission of the Society of Municipal Arborists ( SMA ) is to build the confidence , competence , and camaraderie of professionals who manage trees and forests to create and sustain more livable communities .
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