What is a locust tree good for?
What is a locust tree good for?
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a nitrogen-fixing legume, native to southeastern North America and now naturalized extensively in the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. This tree is useful but underutilized for lumber, poles, wood fiber, land reclamation, beekeeping, fuel and forage.
How do you get rid of locust trees?
Mix a solution of 15 percent triclopyr and diesel fuel in an herbicide tank and spray gun. Use an ax or hatchet to frill the trunk of the tree just 10 inches above the soil line. Apply this solution to the frilled part of the trunk, wetting it thoroughly.
Do black locust trees have deep roots?
While a number of sources state that black locust is commonly shallow-rooted (reviews by [), the species occasionally develops deep roots (review by [167]). Vertical roots were found at 20 to 25 feet (6.1-7.6 m) in the Southwest (review by [167]) and 21 feet (6 m) in the Oklahoma panhandle [42].
Are locust tree roots invasive?
Like many other trees with invasive roots, honey locust suckers grow freely from roots, sending up potential new trees that must be dealt with. Those roots can also pose problems with underground pipes. See our 10 tips for landscaping around trees.
How do you take care of a black locust tree?
Plant black locust trees in a location with full sun or light shade. It prefers loose soil that is moist but well-drained, although it adapts to most soil types. Water the tree often enough to keep the soil moist during its first growing season.
How do you prune a black locust tree?
Cut off all the suckers around the base of the tree and sprouting from the roots. Black locust trees tend to develop multiple trunks and a thicketlike growth if not pruned to maintain a single trunk form.
When should you prune a locust tree?
These trees should be pruned in fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). If needed, a few small branches can be removed in summer after the leaves have reached full size.
What is wrong with my honey locust tree?
Cankers and root collar rot are the major diseases of honeylocusts because they can girdle the stem and kill the tree. Canker disease symptoms include sunken, dead areas of bark; dieback; reduced foliage; yellow foliage; premature fall coloration; and early leaf drop.
How do you prune a Twisty Baby Locust?
Be sure to cut all the way back to where there seems to be the normal “twisty” growth that the cultivar is known for. If you only cut back a straight branch by half, the new growth that ensues will like be straight as well.
Why are my locust trees dying?
Bark beetles and roundheaded borers may bore into black locust tree branches. Bark beetles can cause the outer tips of branches to die, which is a condition called “flagging.” They mine into the branches up to 6 inches from the tip, causing the end of the branch to die. They may also attack the trunk of the tree.
Why is my locust tree losing leaves?
Even with irrigation, the drier air and hot temperatures will cause considerable leaf drop. The late cold spells may also have played a role, injuring some leaves just as they were developing in the buds or beginning to enlarge. These are the first leaves the trees will drop to conserve water.
Do black locust trees have thorns?
Detail of a black locust thorn. Beware: some of the black locust’s branches feature sharp thorns! A remarkable feature of the black locust is its ability to grow new branches by sprouting new roots and shoots. The tree grows with a single leader and thorns can be found on the trunk or branches.
How do you kill a honey locust tree?
Herbicides — When applied to a hole drilled in the stump of a recently felled honey locust, the herbicides picloram and triclopyr will quickly and efficiently kill the tree. These herbicides can also be painted onto the bark at the base of young trees to kill them, although this is largely ineffective on older trees.