The crown reaches meters high into the sky - a robinia can take on amazing proportions. Although the deciduous tree was initially desirable, over time it has become a nuisance to many a gardener. Not only the considerable height can lead to disputes with the neighbors, the underground root system also takes up large areas. The roots may lift stones. Are you aware of these problems? Then get to know the numerous options and their efficiency for combating robinia here.
Removing a mature black locust is a major challenge
Disadvantages of a robinia
The following reasons make the robinia an undesirable tree:
- high growth
- extreme toxicity to humans and animals
- Over time, robinias change the composition of the soil and can thus wipe out neighboring plants
Difficulties in controlling black locust
Reaching for the chainsaw and felling the tree as usual unfortunately does not lead to success with the black locust - at least not in the long term. Fighting a robinia is very expensive and time-consuming. In order to exist, the deciduous tree depends on a balanced relationship between the plant parts above and below ground. When the upper parts of the tree are removed, the robinia reacts with increased runner formation.
Various methods of combat
But what to do to destroy the black locust? More or less effective measures are presented here.
The use of herbicides
Fighting a black locust with poisons is common practice in the USA. The herbicide Roundup is often used. In Germany, its use is seen rather critically and is subject to legal regulations. If the robinia is part of a biotope, such drastic measures must not be taken
The ringing
With the so-called ringing you remove the bark on the trunk of the robinia. The loss of their "protective shell" makes them vulnerable. The tree usually dies as a result.
Saw off the trunk of the robinia
The method of sawing off the trunk of the robinia at about chest height has proven itself. In the following year, if the treatment is successful, the tree dies so that you can dig it out of the ground.
grazing
After mechanical control, grazing with goats on the affected area has proven effective as a preventive measure.