How do I care for my Mango Tree?

The Mango fruit is the king of fruits and one of the best summertime staples in almost every household all over the world. Its scientific name is Mangifera Indica, which flourishes in a frost-free climate and is native to Burma and Indian Shores. The mango tree is tropical and evergreen and belongs to the genus Mangifera and the family of Anacardiaceae.

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According to experts, this tree cannot tolerate frost, and if by chance frost comes, it will die or sustain damage that is irreparable if the overall temperature falls below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, if you talk about its height, the tree can easily take a height of around 30-45 feet with a dense and rounded canopy of 30-40 feet because of, which makes it an excellent shade tree. Apart from that, this strong tree can quickly develop a taproot of approx 20 feet and divide into two or four primary anchoring roots.

Moreover, talking about its life, it can live up to hundreds of years and offer adequate space, care, and nutrition. According to professional tree care, it’s not difficult to care for mango trees. Still, it needs sufficient care, and while caring, it asks for regular irrigation and fertilization in the summer and spring months.

Common NameMango
Botanical Name Mangifera indica
FamilyAnacardiaceae
Plant TypeFruit, tree
SizeUp to 100 ft. tall, 35 ft. wide
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeLoamy, moist, well-drained
Soil pHAcidic, neutral, alkaline (5.5 to 7.5)
Bloom TimeWinter
Hardiness Zones9–11 (USDA)
Native AreaAsia
ToxicityToxic to people

How to take care of the mango tree?

A mango tree can easily flourish in almost every soil except wet and heavy soil. But for the best growth, the soil must be deep so that there must be an extensive root system and have a pH value between 5.5 and 7.5. Apart from that, it needs full sun and excellent air circulation for the best growth; otherwise, the tree can suffer from various types of fungal diseases.

In addition to that, it needs to withhold irrigation for two months prior to flowering and then resume it once the fruits begin to come. Apart from that, for best growth, the fertilization of trees is a must with nitrogen fertilizer every three times a year. But if you offer too much nitrogen, it will burn. The best fertilization for a first-year sapling is fish emulsion. After that, you have to give some space in feedings and then apply around 1 pound every year of tree growth.

However, if you talk about pruning, go for it when the tree is around four years old so that all the weak stems must be removed and it can produce a strong scaffold of branches. After that, prune the mango tree when you have to remove broken or diseased plant material. (more gardening tips)

Pests and diseases

Caring for mango trees also includes checking for pests and diseases according to professional tree care. So, keep an eye on the tree as there are many pest control methods by which you can control the pests. There is a wide range of insects, pests, and diseases that affect and infest the mango tree. Mango fruit is liked by almost every human being since it is also susceptible to many diseases.

If you talk about control, the pests and diseases can be controlled with pest management and the use of germicides, bactericides, and fungicides. Various diseases of the mango tree begin from the top of the canopy and spread to the whole tree. In this case, it is wise to shear the upper foliage, and all the disease leaves and branches must be removed.

Frost and wind

As we have discussed above, the mango tree cannot tolerate frost and also heavy winds. But in order to protect the tree from frost, you have to mulch around the tree and cover it with some protective blanket as it will save it from frost. However, in the case of young trees, they must be supported with stakes until all the roots are well-established. But ensure the stakes must be used during the windy seasons like monsoon and spring.

Moreover, the mango tree cannot be grown in slightly colder areas. But if the variety of mango is Dwarf, it can be grown in zones 9b-10, but they must be moved indoors when the frosts set.

Watering and feeding

Next comes water, so water the tree in late winter or early spring when the temperature gets warm. However, for the best result, water the tree every week or two times in the absence of drenching rains till harvest. However, if your mango tree is in sandy soil, it needs water more frequently. But if the mango tree is mature, it doesn’t require frequent water.

If you talk about feeding, it should be offered with organic fertilizers. But the fertilizers must contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to promote foliage and flower production. But make sure you must feed the mango tree before the flowering season starts so that it must have sufficient energy to produce healthy fruits.

How to grow a mango tree from seed?

The mango tree grows very quickly from seed, but you have to get a fresh mango pit and then slit the hard husk. After that, remove the seed inside and plant it in the seed starter mix in a large pot. Ensure that the seed must situate ¼ inch protruding above the soil surface, which will work best for growing mango trees.

For best results, ensure that you keep the soil evenly moist and place the pot where the temperature remains at least 70F. The step called sprouting of seed will occur in around 14 days, but it can also take up to three weeks. Here you have to remember that your new mango tree will not produce seeds for at least six years.

More info about tree treatment.

The bottom line

Through this post, you will come to know about how to take care of mango trees. So, ensure that you take care of all the above things while taking care of the mango tree in order to take the best harvest. For more care information about the mango tree, you can contact professional tree care.