Locust Tree Information - Types Of Locust Trees For The Landscape

The two most common types of locust trees are black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), also called false acacia, and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and both types are North American natives.

How can you tell what kind of locust tree you have?

Identifying species of locust trees can be done by features such as their flowers, color of bark, height of the tree, and the thorns. Another way to identify the type of locust tree is by the shape and color of its seed pods. Locust trees grow to between 66 and 98 ft. (20 – 30 m).

How fast does a locust tree grow?

Because it fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, the trees grow incredibly fast (3 – 4 feet in a season) and can quickly become windbreaks, shelterbelts, and shade and shelter for animals in silvopasture grazing systems.

How tall do locust trees grow?

It's native to the southeastern United States and also the lower slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. A deciduous tree with short, irregular branches and feathery leaves, the black locust grows fast but is short-lived. Black locust trees can reach heights of 70 to 80 feet but are more often 30 to 50 feet tall.

How long does a locust tree live?

In terms of planting and growing these trees, they have a high canopy and often grow with a clearance of almost 7 feet from the ground. Like other locust trees, it is also a fast growing tree that can live up to 70 years or even more, given that they are provided with the ideal growing conditions.

Are locust trees invasive?

Black locusts have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. ... Black locust produces hanging clusters of very fragrant white flowers in spring. This fast-growing native tree can form colonies and has brittle wood.

How can you tell the difference between a honey locust and a black locust?

Usually honey locust will have VERY pronounced thorns, usually extending from the trunk, not the branches. The thorns are MUCH longer than those of black locust. Also, the bark is generally a bit smoother on honey locust if the tree is small, then cracking a bit like hickory as it gets larger.

Are locust trees worth money?

Black Locust wood contains natural organic compounds that resist rot for 100 years or more, which makes these trees an extremely valuable and environmentally friendly tree. It is the perfect wood for fence and deck posts.

What kills locust trees?

Black locust stems can be cut at the base with brush-cutters, chainsaws or hand tools, followed by treating the stump with a 20-percent solution of Roundup. While the Roundup label recommends a 50- to 100-percent concentration of herbicide for stump treatment, a 20-percent concentration has proven effective.

Do black locust trees have deep roots?

While a number of sources state that black locust is commonly shallow-rooted (reviews by [72,167,312]), 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].

How do you stop a locust tree from spreading?

One method of honey locust control and black locust control is to cut back the trees every growing season. Cut both new stems and new growth—you likely will need to repeat this step several times over the years. Spreading hay over the area could help prevent new trees from sprouting.

What is a honey locust tree good for?

Honey locust wood is easily split, capable of obtaining a high luster finish, and is durable when in contact with soil. For these reasons, timber from honey locust has been used as fence posts, railroad ties, furniture, warehouse or shipping pallets, tool handles and fuel.

Why are 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.

How deep do locust tree roots go?

Honey locusts have strong, deep taproots that extend as far as 20 feet down as opposed to most trees, which only extend 3 to 7 feet beneath the surface However, unlike the classic tap root system, honey locust trees also have profusely branching roots, as is characteristic of heart root systems.

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.

How do you take care of a locust tree?

Locust trees prefer full sun and tolerate reflected heat from structures. They normally grow quickly, but even a little shade can slow them down. Provide a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. These trees tolerate urban pollution and spray from de-icing salts on roads.

What are the worst trees to plant?

Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them.

Cottonwood. One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. ...
Bradford Pear. ...
Mimosa Tree. ...
Mulberry Tree. ...
Chinese Tallow. ...
Norway Maple. ...
Eucalyptus. ...
Quaking Aspen.

Are locust trees poisonous to dogs?

The entire black locust tree, especially the bark and shoots, is toxic to cats and dogs. If consumed, it can cause kidney failure, weakness, nausea, depression and death.

Is honey locust A good tree?

But don't be afraid of its anti-social attitude, for the honey locust is a very pretty and useful tree that is commonly planted as an ornamental. ... The honey locust is a very fast grower, and commonly reaches heights of around 70 to 100 feet.

Do locust thorns have poison?

Black locust tree thorns are poisonous and sharp, growing up to 2 inches in length. They may cause severe stomach pain or death when ingested by people, livestock or other animals such as deer, or house pets. Thorns also pose a poking or scratching hazard; though being scratched by a thorn isn't poisonous, it can hurt.

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 long does it take to season locust firewood?

Seasoning Black Locust

In general, firewood will take at least 6-8 months to fully dry, and for denser hardwoods this process can take even longer. You should expect it to take 1 year or more to season Black Locust firewood.