Question
Hello Mike,

I planted 8 Mimosa tree seeds...  6 started two grow... and all but 2 didn't make it.  The 2 I have left seem to be doing well. They grow small flowers that are full and vibrant for a day, then fade out over the next day or two. The leaves stand up and and out when it's sunny, and close at night, just like I've seen the large trees do.  I've put a lot of care into them and I really want to see them grow into full sized trees one day.  My concern is that the "trunks" are very thin... and they do not stand on their own. I have them staked right now but I'm wondering, should I be trimming them back, or pruning off the lower leaves or anything?  One is about 2 feet or so tall, the other is about 1 and a half feet.  Any information you can give me to help them along will be greatly appreciated.  I've grown quite fond of them seeing as they've come such a long way!  I wasn't even sure the seeds would sprout.  I'm pretty new to gardening in general, but I'm hoping to be successful!  I can take a photo if you think that will help with advice.

Thank you in advance,
~Emmy

Answer
Emmy, it takes 3-4 years for a tree to mature enough to stand it's own without special care. You did the right thing by staking the tree. I do recommend pruning the bottom leaves, but it's not absolutely necessary. Once a tree is established and transplanted to it's permanent location, it is important to prune the tree twice a year. Pruning is an art unto itself. 200 page books have been written on the correct procedures, so I cannot do it justice in this forum. Forming and eliminating branches that cross others are essential. But at this stage, you have several years before you need to worry about that. Just make sure the plant gets 2" of water per week, and lightly fertilize every two weeks at half the recommended solution. Otherwise, the plants should grow into healthy trees within a few years.

Good luck, and enjoy your weekend.

Mike