If you are looking for a tree with rapid growth, a magnificent crown shape and easy care, you cannot avoid a honey locust. The outstanding attribute of the decorative large tree are the spectacular legumes in autumn with a length of up to 50 cm, accompanied by distinctive pinnate leaves. Any question related to cultivation will have a valid answer here.

The glacial locust Sunburst inspires with its bright foliage

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. Plant locust correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. What soil does the plant need?
  5. When is flowering time?
  6. Cut locust correctly
  7. watering locust
  8. Fertilize honey locust properly
  9. hibernate
  10. breed honey locust
  11. Is locust poisonous?
  12. European locust does not bloom
  13. Can I cut off the thorns?
  14. Beautiful varieties

    15. Plant locust correctly

    Plant the locust in a sunny location either in spring or in autumn. The tree will happily spread its mighty root system in any standard garden soil. Dig a pit twice the volume of the root ball and loosen the sole with the rake. Put the excavation in the wheelbarrow to add compost and horn shavings (€32.93). Repot the young tree and place it in the center of the planting hole. Before you fill in the enriched soil, drive in a support stake without damaging the roots. The surface of the root ball is flush with the surface of the soil. Finally, tamp down the soil and water. Finally, connect the trunk and support pole with a rope by tying eight-shaped loops.

    care tips

    If you spoil the honey locust with this care program, it will be in top form for many years:

    • Water the tree during summer drought
    • Start fertilizing with compost or a long-term fertilizer in March/April
    • Slight topiary with possible during the summer
    • Extensive pruning only takes place between November and March if necessary

    In the year of planting, the young tree receives a light winter protection by piling up leaves on the root disc and sticking brushwood all around. An adult honeysuckle will hold its own against frost and snow.

    Which location is suitable?

    The glacial locust feels extremely well in a sunny spot. The location should be warm and sheltered so that the tree develops a dense, shapely crown and delights us with its bizarre legumes. In any normal garden soil, the thriving leather locust tree puts in a lot of effort.

    What soil does the plant need?

    The location parameters for the decorative tree are wide-ranging. It thrives tirelessly in dry to moist soil, with an airy to firm structure. Only with waterlogging and compaction he does not like to be bothered. A pH value between 5.5 and 8.0 is excellent for vitality. The tree develops its optimum in sandy-loamy and fresh, moist soil.

    When is flowering time?

    The greenish flowers appear on the tree in June, loosely distributed in 10-12 cm long panicles. Spectacular legumes then develop from this inconspicuous appearance in autumn. Deep red, yellow or brown in color and bizarrely curved, the fruits reach a length of up to 50 cm. If you have decided on a thornless hybrid, there will be no flowering or fruit decoration.

    Cut locust correctly

    The American black locust, which is frost-hardy in our latitudes, naturally develops a well-proportioned crown. No pruning is required for aesthetic reasons. In view of the rapid growth of 50 to 80 cm per year, there is nothing to be said against a light topiary during the summer. Please consider that the furious infructescence in autumn can be impaired. The best time for drastic pruning measures are the months from November to March, when the tree is in its leafless hibernation. Shorten overly long branches to just short of an outward-pointing leaf node. At the same time, thin out the crown thoroughly. Of course, the tree does not react to pruning measures with more luxuriant branching.
    Continue reading

    watering locust

    When it comes to water supply, the tree is tough. Summer heat and drought are not a problem for a locust, as long as the stress does not last for weeks. Therefore, during a period of drought, water the wood vigorously once or twice a week. Let the garden hose run for 30 minutes.

    Fertilize honey locust properly

    The tree gladly accepts an initial fertilization in spring. On top of the root disk, work in superficially mature compost with horn shavings ($39.93) or other organic fertilizer. Optionally, you can administer a mineral-organic long-term fertilizer for woody plants. It is important to note that there should be plenty of water afterwards.

    hibernate

    A honey locust is very hardy in the Central European climate. Only in the year of planting do we recommend piling up the root disc with autumn leaves. In addition, add brushwood all around or put up a reed mat so that the young tree gets through the first winter healthy. In the years that followed, the leather case tree has become so established that no precautions need to be taken.

    breed honey locust

    To multiply a honey locust, you have the choice between the generative and vegetative method:

    • Cut and root semi-lignified, non-flowering top cuttings in summer
    • Cut leafless sticks in winter, stick them in peat sand and care for them until they are rooted
    • Sow the seeds behind glass from February/March

    To ensure that the large seeds germinate quickly, roughen the shell with a file. Then place the seeds in room-warm water for 24-48 hours. At a constant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, germination takes 14-28 days.

    Is locust poisonous?

    Locust locust leaves contain the alkaloid triacanthine, which can cause health problems if consumed intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, direct skin contact can trigger allergies in sensitive people. The long, narrow legumes do not contain this toxin. Rather, the ground seeds are used in America as a thickening agent for sauces and soups.

    European locust does not bloom

    A young tree presents its first blossom after 3 years at the earliest. If the greenish panicle flowers still do not appear, there is a high probability that it is a non-flowering hybrid. A sure sign of this are the missing thorns.

    Can I cut off the thorns?

    The long thorns give the tree an exotic look, especially during the leafless period next to the furious legumes. If you don't want to bother with the care work or want to protect children from injury, you can cut off the thorns without further ado. As long as the bark is not damaged, this measure will not affect a locust.

    Beautiful varieties

    • Sunburst: With its golden shoot tips and white flowers, this tree sets elegant accents in your garden; 7-10 m high
    • Skyline: The funnel-shaped crown is not reinforced with thorns, which is at the expense of the flowers and fruits; 12-15 m high
    • Rubylace: The glorious bronze-red foliage color comforts over the mighty thorns on the tree; 8-15 m high
    • Shademaster: The crown with dark green leaves shines with golden yellow autumn colours; 10-15 m high

Category:

Trees