Wife's new idea

two_bit_score · Sep 7, 2011

Missouri Pioneer said:
LG, I strongly discourage you from planting honey locusts. I have a farm full of 'em and won't live long enough to kill but a fraction. Most have thorns, although some not as many. They are nasty, nasty trees. Day before yesterday, I cut down a big one (12-14") and probably 20-25 small ones. Poisoned 'em, too, otherwise they'll sprout up.

As far as planting poplar, about 20 years ago I lined my long driveway with Bradford Pears, a lovely fast growing soft wood tree in many ways similar to poplar. Bad, bad idea. They were about 8-10' tall at planting and over the years between ice storms, wind storms and deer, I've lost about half.

If I had it to do over again, I'd plant oaks or maples. My .02.

This thread is interesting for a lot of reasons but the diversity if opinions about trees is striking. I certainly see your point and fully agree.

Someone said to plant sweet gums. I try to kill every gum I see when they are small. Hate those things.

Little_Grizzly · Sep 7, 2011

I can certainly understand the objection to locust but you have to place my reason in context. The trees will not be near anywhere people will be. This is on a very steep hillside surrounded by dense brush. Nothing...I repeat..nothing competes with Chemise anyway.

What I need is a very fast growing (i.e. <5 years) plant with good fast spreading roots. If it is a shade tree on top of it that is ok. (there is a water tank nearby that could use some shade). Has to be drought resistant. It's just not going to get a lot of water period. Has to be good in sandy / rocky soil. (Locust trees are often planted in mine spoilings).

My land has been identified as one of the only spots in California that contains 6 of the 7 native California species of oak. I've got oaks. I LOVE oaks. I've never seen one grow more than a few inches and I've been watching for more than 30 years. (ok maybe a small exaggeration but you get the point).

I do tend to agree that perhaps black locust over honey locust however. I've done a test planting of both and the black one seems to be doing better although neither is really thriving. The thorns look nasty but...well I've got plenty of more nasty stuff growing native.

I've re-read my post. sounds defensive. Believe me I am happy to get the opinions from everyone. I just wanted to help put things in context. What is a bad idea in some settings might be perfect in others. You wouldn't commute to your job in the city with a Kenworth but how would you expect to get a load of onions to market without one. The bad aspects of the locus tree is exactly what I need I think. Still looking at the gum. Haven't found one locally yet to test out this year.

Missouri Pioneer · Sep 7, 2011

LG, to each his own. Tell you what, load up your tractor and implements on your Kenworth, come to Missouri and I will GIVE you FREE, all the honey locusts you could possibly want, no limit, from seedlings to 18" diameter, hundreds, probably thousands, available.

PS. Wear HD gloves, a helmet, and body armor, says my wife.

tcreeley · Sep 7, 2011

20 years ago I planted a 6 " high honey locust (in a flower pot) here in Maine. Today it is easily 35-40 ' tall and over a 1.5 foot across at the trunk- pretty tree. I planted spruce, juniper, butternut, maple, chinese elm, hemlock, black walnut, mountain ash, apple. The locust and chinese elm have done the best for fast growth. I like the locust the best. Leaves come late in the spring. Cats love to climb this tree! Mine is a clay wet location.

forgeblast · Sep 8, 2011

I keep a few honey locusts, just because I cannot get into to take them out. I will stop trying to take them out now that I saw how much my bees love them. They were all over them this spring. I am going to throw some seeds in an area that I want to make sure atvs dont come through.
I have a "wetland" crep area so I have planted the reverse of what you need.
Fast Growing Trees Nursery :: Oops! File not found!
had some examples of trees you may use.

Little_Grizzly · Sep 8, 2011

What a great link! Thank you. I dug through the site a bit and there seems to be some other options to try. I foresee fencing a small area to plant a few trees and have a little competition. The deer just love those little green trees so I have to protect them a bit until they can fend for themselves. Another plus for those awful thorny locust trees!

jinman · Sep 8, 2011

Well, I was going to suggest American Sycamore, but I see they don't normally grow west of a line from Tx up through Iowa. They are a bit of a trash tree, but long-lived, great shade, and big leaves. One author said they can grow up to 70 ft tall in 15 years.