Why plant Audubon® Native Honeylocust Treeling?
Landscape for the birds, and you! Honeylocust is an optimal street tree that can be found in many cities lining streets, located in public spaces, and even in other people's landscapes. However, Honeylocust isn't just a pretty face, they are native to Eastern and parts of Western US which make these trees great choices for helping out the natural landscape. Native insects will make homes in the branches while local native birds will stop in to visit and snack on some of the critters that are present.
Standing 150 feet from Abraham Lincoln while he delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, stands a lone Honey Locust tree referred to as the “witness tree”. Quietly listening after witnessing one of the worst battles in US history right beneath its feet where thousands of American soldiers lost their lives. This 160 year old veteran has lived longer than its 100 year expectancy and still stands alongside the Gettysburg National Cemetery today. Over the years saplings and seeds from this historic tree have been sold for fundraisers spreading some 1,600 descendants of the “witness tree” throughout the eastern United States.
How to use Audubon® Native Honeylocust Treeling in the landscape?
Full of honey-sweet nectar, the lovely Honeylocust tree is a hit amongst wildlife. Commonly found in wet, river valleys and used as a beloved city shade tree native birds and other wildlife absolutely love this tree. You'll love this tree as well when you see that the leaflets that fall in the autumn easily blow away in the wind, making fall cleanup a breeze! The only thing to look out for with Hoenylocust are the spikes that grow on the bark and can be a hinderance if not prepared to accomodate your landscape to welcome this native shade tree.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
How To Plant Audubon® Native Honeylocust Treeling
Honeylocusts are the street trees of choice! You’ll see them along city streets, even in planting beds scattered throughout the parking lot at malls and grocery stores. One reason they make great street trees is because they can tolerate salt, so they can stand up to the salt truck spreading salt all over the road in wintertime. They are fast growers that prefer full sun and will tolerate a range of soil conditions, however, they don’t do well in consistently wet soils. Honeylocusts occasionally sprout suckers, when suckers appear be sure to prune them off. Not only are they unsightly, they also steal valuable energy from the rest of the tree. It is also beneficial to fertilize your Honeylocust for the first few years that it graces your landscape. About once a year, in the fall, give your tree a dose of medium rate fertilizer; this gives your tree the essential nutrients it needs to provide healthy new growth for the following spring season. Honeylocusts are susceptible to some pests: leafhopper and fall webworm, for example. Consult with your local Garden Center professional to find out how to treat these pests if you have a severe problem. If you only have a small pest problem, chances are if you leave it alone, your tree will grow back fine the next growing season.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.