The robinia is a popular garden tree, which is not surprising given its appearance. However, the so-called false acacia changes the substrate in the long run and not only makes life difficult for other plants in this way. Above all, the robinia tends to develop strong roots, which can only be contained with difficulty. Involuntarily, the offshoots also appear in undesirable places. In this article you will find out which methods are useful to inhibit the spread of robinia.

Removing the roots of a black locust is no easy task

Actions in question

The ringing

Ringing removes the bark around the trunk of the black locust so that it dies the following year. However, you must be aware that you will cause serious injuries to the tree. Moreover, this method is not always successful. If you decide to take this measure anyway, it is important to be careful to avoid contact with the skin due to the high toxicity of the bark.

use of herbicides

In the US, toxins that kill the tree are commonplace. In this country you should consider whether you are willing to take the risk of an environmental hazard. It is essential to find out from the responsible office whether the herbicide of your choice is permitted at all.

Root removal tips

No radical cut

A plant is always concerned with balancing the proportions of growth above and below ground. If you cut back the branches and twigs more, the robinia reacts with an even higher root formation.

Remove root runners

  1. trace the growth of a stolon back to the trunk of the black locust
  2. expose the entire spur
  3. be careful not to injure the root to avoid increasing stolon formation
  4. dig up the root completely
  5. dispose of the root on the compost
  6. A wire mesh that you place in the ground around the trunk helps to prevent the robinia from sprout again quickly for a while

Keep robinia as a bonsai

What if you don't put your black locust in the ground, where it produces many runners, but instead choose a container situation. By constantly repotting and pruning the roots at the same time, the formation of foothills remains comparatively low.

Category:

Trees