‘Shademaster’ Honeylocust
(Via gardenauthor)
This is a fine example of the thornless 'Shademaster' Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis 'Shademaster') in fall color. Somewhat vase-shaped, with a pleasing rounded outline, this tree offers a light, filtered shade. The dark green compound leaflets turn golden each autumn and because of their small size (about 1/2" long), fall clean up is easy - the leaflets often "melt away" into the soil, before one has a chance to rake. 'Shademaster' is basically podless, further proof of its cleanliness and good manners.
Growing at the rate of approximately 1 1/2' per year, this tree is also valued for its fast growth. Trees mature at around 50-60' high by 30-40' wide, so they definitely need their space. As with any plant, especially large-scale trees and evergreens, you must take into account the mature sizes of proposed specimens. Overcrowding is a major factor in plant decline and outright failure.
When considering a new addition to your landscape, also research any known issues, such as insect, disease or environmental stresses. There are few plants without at least a couple of such problems and, unfortunately, the honeylocust is no exception. Do your research, before you invest. Often, the risk of encountering various known issues is worth it to the homeowner who is willing to take preventative measures and/or maintain a certain level of vigilance.
One of the best preventative steps you can take, is to plant only one honeylocust. On its own, without other nearby specimens (look around the neighborhood), it's quite likely that yours will remain a sturdy, healthy tree. 'Shademaster' is one of the strongest growing of the honeylocusts and can be just the right accent where filtered shade is the goal. I know... I had one for years and still miss it! Oh, and did I mention that they're spectacular in autumn?
©Deb Lambert 2007
Photos: ©2007 Corliss Bros. Garden Center
This is a fine example of the thornless 'Shademaster' Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis 'Shademaster') in fall color. Somewhat vase-shaped, with a pleasing rounded outline, this tree offers a light, filtered shade. The dark green compound leaflets turn golden each autumn and because of their small size (about 1/2" long), fall clean up is easy - the leaflets often "melt away" into the soil, before one has a chance to rake. 'Shademaster' is basically podless, further proof of its cleanliness and good manners.Growing at the rate of approximately 1 1/2' per year, this tree is also valued for its fast growth. Trees mature at around 50-60' high by 30-40' wide, so they definitely need their space. As with any plant, especially large-scale trees and evergreens, you must take into account the mature sizes of proposed specimens. Overcrowding is a major factor in plant decline and outright failure.
When considering a new addition to your landscape, also research any known issues, such as insect, disease or environmental stresses. There are few plants without at least a couple of such problems and, unfortunately, the honeylocust is no exception. Do your research, before you invest. Often, the risk of encountering various known issues is worth it to the homeowner who is willing to take preventative measures and/or maintain a certain level of vigilance.
One of the best preventative steps you can take, is to plant only one honeylocust. On its own, without other nearby specimens (look around the neighborhood), it's quite likely that yours will remain a sturdy, healthy tree. 'Shademaster' is one of the strongest growing of the honeylocusts and can be just the right accent where filtered shade is the goal. I know... I had one for years and still miss it! Oh, and did I mention that they're spectacular in autumn?
©Deb Lambert 2007
Photos: ©2007 Corliss Bros. Garden Center
