So, what is a Sissoo tree you ask?
I found an article on my friend Google written by David Meek back in 2016 and it says everything you could possibly want to know about this tree. I’ve included the link at the bottom of this post for your reading pleasure.
Love it or hate it? The tree grows very quickly, and a lot of new home builders offer the Sissoo in their landscaping packages for that reason. What they probably don’t tell you is that in about 5 years, you will have a monster tree that is gorgeous, but those roots are primed to do untold damage to your property.
I can speak from experience – I had 3 of them on my property in 2016. As of this writing there is only one remaining and it’s a real shame because they are beautiful! But after moving in and THEN hearing the horror stories of Sissoos and watching these trees grow at a crazy rate, I opted to remove before I had a bigger problem! (see the picture at the top for my trees’ growth journey!)
The last tree will go as soon as I figure out what to replace it with!
I’ve heard from landscapers all over the valley that the best option for a Sissoo is a lot that has lots of room for those huge roots to grow. As one person put it, their roots grow out as well as down looking for water. Hence, you will see roots on the surface as they age. After my first one was removed, I found what looked like a tree limb about 2 inches in diameter sticking up from where the roots had been cut and poisoned! I was able to pull it up, but these trees have a life of their own.
So, when you buy your first home in Arizona, if it’s a new build and you have a regular sized lot, maybe you want to avoid the Sissoo! If it’s an existing home, be on the lookout for them but if you have the space, they will grow and provide shade because it’s a very hearty and beautiful tree!
# Transplanted