I planted a forty foot long row (500 seeds) of Black Locust. My intention is to thin them out to one stem every two or three inches.
"But Joe, why would any sane person plant a 'weed-tree' like Black Locust?"
Primarily because it grows like a weed and when juvenile it has thorns that deter Whitetail Deer.
It is the most widely planted forestry tree in many areas in eastern, central and southern Europe. It grows very quickly. The heartwood is extremely, hard, wear-resistant and rot-resistant without any treatments. The flowers make good honey. Many of the trees from selected seed-lots produce a high percentage of trees with tolerable form.
It does NOT do well in places where flooding is likely.
It is a tough tree that does relatively well in tough situations. It is good to have many different tools in your tool-box and Black Locust is a tool that fills a particular niche very, very well.
ERJ
ReplyDeleteWhere did you source the Locust seed?
Thanks
John
Kaw River Valley
https://sheffields.com/seeds-for-sale/Robinia/pseudoacacia///////1302/Black-Locust,-False-Acacia,-Yellow-Locust/Black-Locust,-False-Acacia,-Yellow-Locust
DeleteThe late Gene Logsdon (The Contrary Farmer) was a great fan of Black Locust, especially because of its anti-rot properties.
ReplyDeleteI am in the UK and am amazed at your planting/growing skills. I've just ordered some Black Locust seeds to try out as hedging in my 1/4 acre garden (not on your scale) They sound just what I need, thanks for the tip!
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