Neem Trees Are The Beneficial Addition To Your Yard You Didn't Know You Needed

If you're a big fan of gardening, you may already be familiar with neem oil, which is often applied to plants as an organic pesticide and fungicide. What you might not have considered is that you don't have to just buy the oil — you could instead grow your very own neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Despite the amazing pest-repelling abilities of their leaves and seeds, neem trees' beautiful and fragrant flowers are beloved by bees. 

While it seems hard to believe that a tree known for oil that repels insects could also be a pollinator magnet, it appears that the flowers aren't the part that contain the natural pesticide, making them simply a sweet source of pollen. Neem trees are also fantastic additions to your yard because of the shade they offer and how quickly they can grow.

With a potential maximum height of around 100 feet and a spread of about 50 feet, these species make stunning shade tree options if you have the space. Unfortunately, neem trees are only hardy in zones 10 and higher, so if you garden in cooler zones, you may need to look elsewhere for trees to shade your playground or yard.

Neem trees are native to southern India and need warm temperatures to flourish, but as long as you have the climate for it, caring for a neem tree isn't particularly difficult. They thrive in full sun to part shade locations, and will flourish in sandy soil that drains well and isn't prone to becoming waterlogged. 

Don't worry too much about fertilizing your neem trees, as they grow well in poor soil. They're quite drought resistant too, making them a good option for gardeners who want to conserve water. Their rapid growth rate means you won't have to wait long for your tree to provide you with sun protection either.

Unsurprisingly, neem trees are rarely bothered by insects and other pests. However, you should be aware that the branches and even the trunks of neem trees are prone to breaking in high wind, making them risky to grow in locations known for hurricanes or other climates with dramatic weather.