Abstract

CHAPMAN, DOUGLAS. 1980. Honeylocust grows rapidly, provides open shade for turf. Weeds, Trees & Turf 19(12): 23-24.

Honeylocust is an outstanding urban tree. It has been overused, leading to increased reports of insect and disease problems. If not overused (diversity — no more than 5 percent of the same tree specimen in the community), insect and disease problems will not be significant. If overused, borers and many other problems will crop up. This did happen with ‘Moraine’ honeylocust in the 60’s, but with a shift of emphasis and more knowledgeable urban foresters, landscape architects, and horticulturists, this plant is again becoming a desirable tree for city streets, large area landscapes, parks, and home landscapes. Its ability to compete with turf, providing open shade and the fine texture make it outstanding. Its rapid rate of growth is certainly another desirable characteristic. In fact, it is not uncommon to see this vigorous tree grow 2 to 3 feet annually the first 10 years planted in the landscape. There have been some pest problems, but if our rule of diversity in any landscape is maintained, this tree has a place in difficult sites for most urban landscapes.

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