African sumac (Rhus lancea) is a small to medium-size, semi-weeping tree. Its rounded canopy makes it a favorite as an ornamental shade tree, but it is versatile enough to include in windbreaks or screens. Water-wise homeowners like the tree for its drought tolerance. Plant African sumac trees in spring in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Choose a sunny location to plant the African sumac. Although the tree will tolerate partial shade, it won't grow as vigorously as it does in full sun.
Amend heavy or compacted soil the winter before you plan on planting the tree. Spread an 8-inch layer of wood chip mulch on the soil and allow it to overwinter. In spring, rake the mulch back and till the soil, combining the mulch with the soil.
Dig a hole to a depth where the top of the African sumac’s root ball will sit 2 inches above the surface of the soil when planted. The width should be three times that of the pot in which the tree is growing. Use the shovel or a pitchfork to scrape the inside walls and the bottom of the hole to slightly loosen the soil.
Set the roots in the hole and back fill with soil until the hole is half full. Slowly run water into the hole until it’s full. After the water drains, finish filling the hole with soil.
Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree, keeping it 6 inches away from the bark, and extend it 1 foot beyond the drip line. When planting more than one African sumac, space the trees 15 feet apart.
Water the newly planted African sumac tree slowly to the depth at which it was planted and keep the soil just slightly moist as it becomes established. You’ll know this has occurred when it produces new growth. At this point, you have two choices – water the tree often enough to keep the soil slightly moist or allow the soil to dry almost completely before watering. Experts at the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo claim that deep, frequent watering helps the tree look its best. The tree is susceptible to root rot, however.
Fertilize the African sumac once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or manure. If using 10-10-10, measure the distance from the base of the tree to the tips of its widest branches. Multiply this result by itself and then by 3.14. This is the size of the root zone in square feet. Apply 1 pound of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet per year. If you prefer using manure to fertilize the African sumac, use 1/8 bushel (1 gallon) per foot of height of the tree.
Remove straight, fast-growing branches from inside the African sumac’s canopy. These are known as water sprouts, and they sap the tree’s energy. You may also see new growth coming from the soil at the base of the tree. These are known as suckers and should be removed as well.
Things You Will Need
- Wood chip mulch
- Pitchfork (optional)
- Measuring tape
- 10-10-10 fertilizer or manure
- Pruning equipment
- Although the African sumac tree doesn’t require pruning, should you want to shape the tree, remove no more than 25 percent of its foliage per season.
- Cal Poly Urban Forest Eco Systems Institute: African Sumac
- Washington State University: The Myth of Soil Amendments, Part II
- Havasu Magazine: Landscape Trees for the Desert
- National Gardening Association: How-To Project: Fertilizing a Tree
- University of Wisconsin-Extension: Tree and Shrub Fertilization
- Nevada Public Radio: Norm’s Favorite Desert Trees