Expert: Maureen - 12/3/2010

Question
Hi!! I planted a 30 inch saguaro oct. 2000 in front of our house in Peoria,az.I watered it once a month and occasionally fertilized it.Also received extra water from drip system for nearby plants.Saguaro is now 11 feet high and kind of fat and happy! I have added dirt on bottom to build it up over the years. When i stand in front-top 5 or 6 feet is growing some toward the right.If i stand on the side-Looks like 6 feet or so growing toward rear some. Is it ok not to be perfectly straight?Mom thinks it is too big and should be removed! I reduced drip system water nearby. No arms plus no flowers. How long can it live? It sways some when really windy but appears to be just fine!!!!!!!     Should we keep saguaro and does it seem like everything is ok?   I hope you get this e-mail!!!!!!!Happy holidays and best wishes!!!!!     Alexxxxxxxxx

Answer
Dear Alex,

Do you have any photos? It's hard for me to picture what you're saying.  Is it close to anything so that if it fell it would damage something?  These plants are soooo heavy and can be dangerous.  I agree that you don't need the added drip system.  Rather than destroying a plant that is endangered, if it really does sway an option is to cut it back below the bend.  That would make it safer and may cause it to develop arms rather than top growth.  You'd need a professional to prune it tho -a cactus horticulturalist. Your local agricultural extension could give you some names.

If you do have any phot0s send them to me at my email address because you can only send one here.  Tt's moken_33@yahoo.com.

Thanks,
Maureen