How to Prune a Honey Locust Tree

Honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos) are fast-growing deciduous trees that are native to North America. They are known for their beautiful, fern-like leaves and long, sharp thorns. Honey locust trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide, so they need to be pruned regularly to keep them healthy and safe.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prune a honey locust tree:

1. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches can provide a home for pests and diseases, and they can also be a hazard if they fall. Use a sharp saw or pruning shears to remove these branches at the branch collar.

2. Trim any branches that are rubbing against each other. This can damage the bark and make the tree more susceptible to pests and diseases. Use a sharp saw or pruning shears to remove the smaller of the two branches.

3. Thin out the branches in the interior of the tree. This will help to improve air circulation and light penetration, which can help to keep the tree healthy. Use a sharp saw or pruning shears to remove branches that are growing inward or that are crossing each other.

4. Shape the tree as desired. Honey locust trees can be pruned into a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, or pyramidal. Use a sharp saw or pruning shears to remove any branches that are growing outside of the desired shape.

5. Apply pruning sealant to any cuts larger than 1 inch in diameter. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from entering the tree.

Be sure to prune your honey locust tree regularly to keep it healthy and safe. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to grow new leaves.