21 responses

1. Hi Terry

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   We’ve been fortunate to see Vachellia xanthophloea specimens growing in their natural habitat with several alongside rivers where the roots help to stabalise the soil. The specimens growing in Johannesburg gardens tend to have a dense network of aggressive roots on and just below the soil surface. This is particularly common in irrigated gardens where stuctures such as walls, house foundations, swimming pools and roads within 15-20 metres of the tree have been damaged. We seldom plant this species in domestic gardens because of the root system and the nasty thorns that can inflict injuries resulting in ER visits.

   You may have different soil conditions in California which could influence the root growth, so I’d recommend looking for a few more specimens growing in your area to help inform your decision.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. I am in Palm Desert, CA USA. We have the Living Desert, a zoological/botanical park close by. All animals and plants/trees are suited for a low desert (200′ above mean sea level), with temperatures often exceeding 120F during July and August, thus Africa is well represented. One of the most interesting trees at the Living Desert is the Vachellia xanthoplea or Fever Tree.

   I really was planning on a fever tree being the focal point in our circle driveway and the replacement of a large Californian palm which is uplifting the cement. We have roughly a 12′ L x 6′ W area for the tree. My concern is: Is this plant basically a tap root or diffuse root system? The nursery, Moon Nursery, told me its a tap root. Your posts indicate otherwise. When I observed the mature tree at the Living Desert, within 12″ of the pavement, there was no sign of uplifting or surface roots??? Are there different varieties?

   (My wife doesn’t want the Palm removed, but must be, and I wanted to replace with a fine fever tree. BUT I DON’T WANT TO BE REMOVING THE REPLACEMENT TREE TOO!!!)

3. Hi Sirrah

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   The assessment of trees is best done on site and I would recommend you contact a local arborist to assess the situation.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. The office park next door has a thick grove of fever trees.. They were planted in 2010 and have grown very quickly (I suspect they are being overwatered or have got their roots into the sewer line!), the canopy is in excess of a 2-storey building in height now. The office park management have been quite derelict in keeping the trees trimmed/thinned out so very dense growth. Nevertheless, some trimming of overhanging branches was (badly) done during the winter and we have now noted that on two of the trees that were trimmed, the green outer bark seems to have sloughed off and large bare brown dry-looking patches are appearing well above ground level (so not the moisture-related fungus mentioned elsewhere). Could this be the trees natural reaction to damage caused by the ladder climbing/cutting activity or is this some kind of disease that we should be aware of? What is the age limit of these trees in the Pretoria area (not really its natural habitat) and is this perhaps a natural phenomenon? We are concerned that if these trees do die off gradually and fall in a violent highveld storm, they are in danger of not only taking the phone lines down but crashing into our roof! If the trees are in fact dying off and there is good scientific evidence, we will need to take this up with the office park management and get them to proactively cut them down before damage is caused.

5. Hi Kobus

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   To the best of our knowledge, yes, the wood from Vachellia xanthophloea can be safely used as firewood.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

6. Hi, can the tree be used for braai wood – ie non poisonous?

7. Hi Marc

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   It sounds like your trees are very well established and may not be easy to relocate. At that size, they’d need to be mechanically dug out and lifted which is a huge undertaking and will require earth-moving equipment if the access permits.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. Hi

   I have three large fever trees that are closely planted and right next to my swimming pool. They are around 15-20 metres high and the thorns fall into the pool. They aren’t damaging the pool but I would like to relocate them on the property, is this advisable? Do you know of anyone that could assist with this?

   I am based in the Western Cape, Bergrivier area.

   Thanks so much.

9. Hi Ellis

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   As Vachellia xanthophloea tends to have a very aggressive root system it is recommended that this species should not be planted less than 6m from any structures. Note, however, that the roots can spread up to 15m in optimal growing conditions.

   Removing an established and healthy tree is not an easy decision, so perhaps consult with a building specialist to inspect the situation and advise you on the potential interference with the buildings.

   I do not recommend the cutting of roots as this may affect the stability and healthy of the tree.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

10. Hi. My fever tree roots are lifting the paving in my driveway and look like they will interfere with the foundations of the buildings. I have planted it 6 m away from any buildings but the roots are spreading. Can they be cut to stop the lifting or must I remove the tree? It is spectacular and around 15m high but I am concerned that it will damage the buildings

11. Hi Louise

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Sticky residue falling from a tree is usually a sign of sap-sucking insects on the tree. Usually these insects do not cause any long-term damage to the tree as it occurs for a few months during a phase of the insects’s lifecycle. Look closely at the stems and branches for small insects that may at first look like part of the tree. I would not recommend spraying an insecticide as birds and bats may feed on these insects to help control the population.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

12. Good day, my fever tree leaves a sticky layer on the paving and lawn around the tree. Is this normal?

13. Thanks for getting back to me Glenice. Not sure why I called you Pat – my apologies!

    Yes, there are plenty of flowers as well as pollen. I’m assuming the tree will stop flowering at the end of this month. Thanks again for getting back to me.

    Take care,

    Karen

14. Hi Karen

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It definitely sounds like pollen. Your trees have probably produced abundant flowers compared to previous years as a result of the good rains.

    Unfortunately it will mean you’ll need to do additional cleaning, but relish this season of abundance as the flowering season will soon be over.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

15. Hi Pat,

    My vachellia xanthopholea is currently dispensing of a very sticky pollen like substance. I’m not sure if it is pollen though. My car is parked close to the tree and is currently covered in this powdery substance. As are my verandah steps. It’s the first time I’ve noticed this abundance of “pollen” in the three years I’ve live here in Cape Town and was wondering if it had anything to do with the high rainfall we had this winter.

    Looking forward to your response.

    Regards,

    Karen

16. Hi Cavill

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Vahcellia xanthophloea are attractive and fast-growing trees which are very popular. Unfortunately most urban locations where they are planted do not have conditions similar to those of their natural habitat which puts the trees under tremendous stress.

    You’d need to contact an arborist to examine and treat your remaining tree.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

17. Hi – please advise me how to overcome/treat diseases which attack fever trees
    Firstly the tree starts to loose leaves then changes colour to light brown followed by turning a sooty black colour
    We have had two out of three trees removed so far and now a third tree (in a different location) after loosing its leaves has dripped sap from virtually every thorn nodule and its bark is starting to split

    Thanks

18. Hi Pat

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The lifespan of trees vary according to the region, species traits and growing conditions.

    In South Africa, many specimens Vachellia karroo are over 100 years old. Of the trees you’re researching, Combretum erythrophylum tends to have the shortest lifespan.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

19. Hi What is the lifespan of acacia Karoo—–Celtis Africana & Combretum Erythrophylum
    Thanks

20. Hi Bronwen

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The growth rate and size that your fever trees will reach depends largely on your climate and soil conditions.
    Given the distance from your pool and wall, the trees may cause damage when they grow bigger as the roots will spread at least twice the height of the tree.
    Apart from the cost of repairing the damage, it would be a shame to have to cut down fully grown trees, so perhaps consider replacing them with a smaller species.

    All the best.
    Glenice

21. Hi, I have 3 fever trees growing between our swimming pool and wall, about 1.5m from each. I have been told they are going to damage our pool and/wall. They are beautiful trees and growing very well, about 2m – 3m tall at the moment. Is there any advice you can give me in this regard?