Honey Locust

What you'll need:

Honey Locust seeds or young saplings (available at nurseries or garden centers)

A pot (if starting indoors) or a spot in your yard

Regular soil (Honey Locust is not too picky about soil but prefers well-draining types)

Watering can or hose

Shovel or trowel

When to start:

The best time to plant Honey Locust is in early spring, just as the weather starts warming up. If you're planting from seed, you may want to start them indoors during late winter (around February or March). If you're using a young sapling, wait until after the last frost.

Finding a good spot:

Honey Locust trees love sunlight and space to grow. Choose a location that gets plenty of sun throughout the day. These trees can grow quite tall and wide, so make sure there's enough room for it to spread out—ideally 30-50 feet away from buildings or other large trees.

Tip: If you’re planting multiple Honey Locusts, space them at least 20-30 feet apart to give each tree enough room to thrive.

If you have seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This helps them germinate faster.
2. Plant the seeds in small pots filled with moist soil. Push the seed about ½ inch into the soil and cover lightly.
3. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the pots in a sunny area.
4. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks. Once they develop a couple of sets of leaves, you can move them outside or transplant them to a larger pot.

If you have a young sapling:

1. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep. You don’t want to bury the tree too deep.
2. Carefully remove the sapling from its container and loosen any tangled roots.
3. Place the sapling in the hole and fill it with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Tip: After planting, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

Watering:

• Young Honey Locust trees need regular watering, especially during their first year. Aim to water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
• As the tree matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant, so you can reduce watering unless there’s a prolonged dry spell.

Sunlight:

• Honey Locust trees thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so make sure they’re planted in a bright, open area.

Fertilizing:

• You generally don’t need to fertilize Honey Locust trees unless the soil is very poor. If you do decide to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth rather than strong root development.

Pruning:

• Prune your Honey Locust in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy structure.
• Be cautious of the tree’s thorns if you’re pruning older varieties that still have them!

Tip: If your Honey Locust is near a sidewalk or driveway, keep an eye on its roots. While it’s not as invasive as some other trees, its roots can still lift pavement over time.

What to expect:

Honey Locust trees produce long, flat seed pods that look a bit like beans. These pods typically mature in late summer to early fall. The pods are edible when young and tender, though most people leave them for wildlife like squirrels and birds.

How to harvest:

• If you want to collect the pods, simply pick them off the tree or gather them from the ground when they fall.
• You can also let nature take its course and allow animals to enjoy the pods, which will naturally disperse the seeds.

Tip: Some people use the young pods in cooking, similar to how you might use green beans. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly if you plan to eat them!

Q: Is the Honey Locust tree messy?

A: It can be! The seed pods and small leaflets can create some litter in the fall, so if you’re planting it near a patio or walkway, be prepared for a bit of cleanup.

Q: How fast does the Honey Locust grow?

A: Honey Locust trees are relatively fast growers, often adding 1-2 feet per year under good conditions. With proper care, they’ll reach their full height in about 10-15 years.

Q: Does the Honey Locust have thorns?

A: Many modern varieties (like "Skyline" or "Shademaster") are thornless, but some older varieties do have sharp thorns. Check with your nursery to ensure you’re getting a thornless type if that’s important to you.

Q: Can I plant Honey Locust in clay soil?

A: Yes, Honey Locust trees can tolerate clay soil as long as it’s not constantly waterlogged. They prefer well-draining soil, but they’re pretty adaptable.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering, poor drainage, or possibly a nutrient deficiency. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too wet and consider adding some balanced fertilizer if needed.