Planting and caring for the Jamaican Ackee Tree in the Landscape

Propagation of the Ackee Tree

Proper planting is one of the most important things steps in the care of any tree. If you are purchasing you ackee tree from a mail order nursery there are a few things you should do to prepare for your plants arrival.

1. This first thing is to make sure your are home to receive the plant when it arrives. You cannot expect the plant to sit in a hot box for days and to look fresh when it comes out the box. Some wilting and loss of the leaves is to be expected. This does not necessarily mean the tree is dead. Just that it is showing signs of stress. The ackee plant will most likely loose most of the leaves it comes with.  Do not overwater trying to revive the plant. That will do more damage than good as the ackee plant does not like to be flooded. The roots will rot and the plant will die.
2. Have a 3 or 5 gallon pot ready to plant the tree in.  Some good potting soil and mulch. Generally the ackee plant likes full sun. However, the ackee tree will probably do better if you keep it in a pot and give it a chance to recuperate from the trip.
3. I suggest keeping the plant in a pot for about 3 weeks after arrival before planting it in its final spot.
4. You will need a spade to dig the hole to put the ackee tree in.  The hole should be dug about three times as deep as the container the plant came in. Dig the hole three to four times the diameter of the pot. Loosen the soil around the hole so as to make it easier for the roots to spread.
5. Two bags of mulch. At this time top soil or fertilizer is not really necessary at this time.
6. When the plant is taking root it is necessary to water it two or three times a week. About the first month after you have planted the tree. Just make sure that the soil is well drained and does not retain excess water.

Tree  Placement

In the winter well placed trees will help keep out the cold from your house and helps reduce heating cost. In the summer a well placed tree shades your home and helps reduce your cooling cost.

Trees also act as a air filter For the home. and helps keep it cool saving on cooling cost.  Evergreen trees process the  carbon Monoxide in the environment and changes it into oxygen. Trees provide a habitat for wild life.  such as birds  and other wild yard animals.

A landscape without trees would be a far different place whether  in remote rural areas or in the heart of Americas great cities, trees can serve a vital role in improving our lives. and protecting the environment.

Well placed trees act as a sound barrier from the noise of Mulching the ackee tree in the home landscape improves the soil  near the surface. Mulch around the tree about five feet. Keep the mulch about eight to 12 inches deep.  Personally I like red mulch,  it brightens the landscape.