Mesquite Trees in West Texas

Mesquite trees in West Texas to a visitor look like some scrawny bush they would not give a second look. But to understand the west you must consider the lowly mesquite tree.

The mesquite tree belongs to the legume family. It has deep and spreading out roots. Its branches grow in all directions usually dictated by which strong winds blow it. These branches grow close to the ground and spread out in crooked wanderings. They are definitely not classified as stately. But if pruned when they are growing they can be a definite plus in your yard and will as they mature become great shade trees.

One of the unique features of the mesquite tree is its flowers. They are in the spikes or thorns of the limbs. They have five sepals, and carry four or five petals, a lot of stamens, and one solitary pistil. Their fruit looks like a dried green bean. Livestock eat the pods as fodder. It is very nutritious and adds variety to the diet.

Mesquite trees are used for making fence posts. They are a hard wood known as ironwood. They are very durable and last a long time in the hot, dry climates. Railroad ties are another use of the mesquite tree. But in West Texas mesquite is known for being the best wood for bbq. Mesquite trees also make good firewood for the cold winters. It is cut into fireplace sizes and sold by the cord or Pickup load.

In West Texas harvesting the mesquite is a growing industry. The dry wood is cut and loaded on trailers and moved to market. Some of it will go to large fence building yards. In West Texas fence is contracted by the mile and it takes a lot of mesquite posts called "stays" to build one. Ranchers also have to have the mesquite posts to then keep the fences in good repair.

Many landscapers in West Texas use the mesquite tree not only for fence but to add to especially "native gardens". A fairly new growing industry is making furniture out of the mesquite tree. This is beautiful, hardwood with distinct coloring. It is made into bedsteads, table and chairs and occasional tables. The furniture is hand made and can be custom ordered.

The mesquite tree serves a lot of needs in West Texas.