Growing Monkey Puzzle Trees In New Zealand

Growing The Monkey Puzzle Tree In NZ

Before planting a Monkey Puzzle Tree, it's crucial to understand its basic requirements for soil, sunlight, and water. This knowledge will serve as a foundation for successful growth and maintenance. Recognizing these needs helps replicate the tree's natural environment, vital for its health and development.

Understanding Monkey Puzzle Tree Needs

The Monkey Puzzle Tree thrives in New Zealand’s temperate climate when planted in well-drained soil with full sun. Some specific requirements include:

Soil

The Monkey Puzzle Tree does best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. A sandy loam or similar free-draining soil is ideal for this tree. Heavy clay soils that retain water or areas subject to water pooling must be avoided, as the tree will likely fail or succumb to root rot disease in time.

Sunlight

Sunlight is another critical factor for these trees, requiring full sun to grow well. In New Zealand, it is recommended that the tree be placed in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering

During the establishment phase, typically the first two years after planting, ensure the tree receives consistent moisture. Watering the tree deeply weekly during dry periods will encourage deep root growth. Once established, these trees are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Mulching around the base can also help retain soil moisture and reduce the watering requirements.

Planting Tips for Monkey Puzzle Trees

Proper planting is crucial for the successful growth of a Monkey Puzzle Tree.

Selecting the Right Location
Ensure the site has well-drained soil and receives ample sunlight. Consider the tree's mature size, which can reach up to 25 metres in height and 10 metres in width, and ensure adequate growth space. This foresight prevents future complications with surrounding structures or other plants.
Additionally, consider the proximity to buildings or power lines, as the tree's extensive root system and eventual height could pose challenges. Selecting a site with these factors in mind will allow the Monkey Puzzle Tree to thrive without interference.

Planting

• Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your tree. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread. Ensuring the hole is the correct size prevents root constriction and promotes healthy root expansion.
• You can add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its health, but this is not essential.
• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent waterlogging. Proper positioning guarantees the tree is not planted too deep, which can suffocate roots and hinder growth.
• Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. This initial watering is crucial for establishing good soil-to-root contact.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the tree's base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Maintain a small gap between the mulch and the trunk to prevent the mulch from rotting the tree's trunk.
• Finally, stake the tree so it is well supported and grows with a tidy and balanced form.

Maintaining Your Monkey Puzzle Tree

Maintaining a Monkey Puzzle Tree involves regular care and attention to ensure it remains healthy and grows to its full potential. This will contribute to the tree's longevity and ornamental value.

Pruning and Shaping
Pruning is generally unnecessary for Monkey Puzzle Trees, as they naturally develop symmetrically. However, occasional pruning may be required to remove dead or damaged branches. This should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.

Fertilizer applications
Monkey Puzzle Trees do not typically need fertilizer if planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, applying tree fertiliser in spring will ensure the tree remains as healthy as possible. Similarly, if growth appears slow or foliage becomes pale, use tree fertiliser at this time. Overdoing fertilizer applications should be avoided as it can lead to nutrient imbalances and harm the tree.

Pest and Disease Management
Monkey Puzzle Trees are relatively pest—and disease-resistant. However, they can occasionally succumb to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. To prevent this issue, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, regularly inspect young trees for signs of pests like aphids or scale insects, which can be managed with insecticides.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You may encounter challenges when growing Monkey Puzzle Trees despite your best efforts. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

Yellowing Foliage Yellowing foliage can indicate several issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or poor drainage. Adding tree fertiliser is a good start, but also consider whether drainage issues need correcting. Further, ensure your tree is not in waterlogged soil and adjust your watering schedule as needed.

Slow Growth
If your Monkey Puzzle Tree grows slowly, it may be due to inadequate sunlight, poor soil conditions, or a lack of soil fertility. Ensure your tree is planted in a location that receives sufficient light and add tree fertiliser. Enhancing soil quality with compost is also advisable where soil conditions are poor.

Common Monkey Puzzle Tree Questions

The Monkey Puzzle Tree often raises questions about its growth, care, and placement. This guide answers the most common queries to help New Zealand gardeners grow it successfully and confidently.

What are monkey puzzle trees suitable for?

Monkey Puzzle Trees (Araucaria araucana) are valued for several purposes:

• Ornamental appeal: Their unique, prehistoric look makes them standout feature trees in extensive gardens or parks.
• Longevity: They live for centuries, making them a legacy or specimen tree.
• Wind and cold resistance: Hardy to cold and wind once established, they suit exposed NZ sites.
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning or pest control.
• Cultural significance: Native to Chile and Argentina, they are considered sacred by the Mapuche people.

How quickly does a monkey puzzle tree grow?

Monkey Puzzle Trees grow slowly, especially in their early years. In New Zealand conditions:

• Growth rate: Around 20–35 cm per year under ideal conditions.
• Height after 10 years: Typically 2-4 metres tall.
• Mature size: Up to 20–30 metres over many decades.

Growth speeds up slightly as the tree becomes established, especially with full sun, shelter from strong wind, and well-drained soil.

Why do they call it a monkey puzzle tree?

The Monkey Puzzle Tree was named in the 19th century when a curious observer remarked, "It would puzzle a monkey to climb that tree." Its stiff, sharp, and overlapping triangular leaves form a spiky spiral along the branches, making climbing difficult, if not impossible, for anything (including monkeys). The name stuck due to the tree's unusual and dramatic appearance.

What is the superstition about monkey puzzle trees?

A common superstition about Monkey Puzzle Trees is that they ward off evil spirits. In parts of Britain, planting one near your home was once believed to protect the household from harm. This likely stems from the tree’s unusual, almost mystical appearance, sharp, armour-like leaves, and ancient origins, which evoke a sense of spiritual defence. While not based on fact, the belief adds to the tree’s charm and legacy as a symbolic and ornamental specimen.

What is the lifespan of a monkey puzzle tree?

The Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana) is incredibly long-lived, typically 500 to 1,000 years. In ideal conditions, some have been known to live over 1,300 years. Their slow growth and resilience to pests, disease, and environmental extremes contribute to this impressive longevity, making them a legacy tree in any landscape.