Mastic Tree

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 15-25 feet
Spread: 20-30 feet
Flower Color: green
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus) – A Drought-Tolerant Evergreen for Arizona's Desert Landscapes

The Mastic Tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, is a beautiful, resilient evergreen that thrives in Arizona’s arid climate. Native to the Mediterranean, this versatile tree is perfect for Phoenix Valley landscapes due to its ability to withstand hot, dry conditions with minimal water requirements. The Mastic Tree provides year-round greenery, making it ideal for privacy screens, hedges, and accent plantings in water-wise gardens.

Key Features of the Mastic Tree

Maturing at 10 to 25 feet in height with a similar spread, the Mastic Tree has a dense, bushy growth habit that can be pruned to suit various landscape needs. Its small, leathery, dark green leaves form a lush canopy, offering both shade and privacy in garden settings. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by red berries that ripen to black, attracting birds and enhancing garden biodiversity.

Adapted to full sun, the Mastic Tree is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for Phoenix Valley’s water-conserving landscapes. It’s also tolerant of various soil types, including alkaline and saline soils, making it a versatile choice for challenging desert conditions.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

The Mastic Tree’s minimal water needs make it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for Arizona gardens. Its ability to thrive with little irrigation conserves water, supporting Arizona’s water-conscious landscaping efforts.

Versatile Uses for the Mastic Tree in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Privacy Screens and Hedges: The dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent privacy when planted as a natural screen or hedge, creating green walls with year-round coverage.

• Drought-Tolerant Accent Tree: With its attractive, lush canopy, the Mastic Tree adds visual appeal as a standalone accent or focal point in xeriscapes and low-water landscapes.

• Mixed Borders and Foundation Plantings: Its manageable size and lush foliage make it a great choice for mixed borders or foundation plantings, adding depth and structure to garden designs.

• Wildlife-Friendly Garden Addition: The Mastic Tree’s berries attract birds and other wildlife, enhancing the garden’s ecological value by supporting local biodiversity.

Care Tips for Growing the Mastic Tree in Phoenix Valley

Plant the Mastic Tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil to encourage healthy growth and resilience. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering, even in dry spells. The tree is low-maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to shape and control size. Its tolerance for drought, alkaline soils, and minimal pest or disease issues makes it an easy-care choice for Phoenix Valley landscapes.

Why the Mastic Tree is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

The Mastic Tree offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a lush, evergreen option that provides privacy, shade, and wildlife attraction with minimal water needs. Its adaptability to hot, dry conditions and low maintenance requirements make it a sustainable choice for residential and commercial properties. Whether used as a hedge, accent plant, or foundation planting, the Mastic Tree brings year-round beauty and resilience to desert gardens, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and attractive evergreen for Arizona’s climate.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mastic Tree

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 15-20 feet apart to accommodate their large size and broad canopy
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Mastic Trees require no staking once established, as they grow into large, sturdy trees

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 3-4 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Mastic Tree is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 24-36 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks