Complete Guide To Black Locust Tree – What You NEED To Know

Pros / Benefits of Black Locust

When it comes to pros, the Black Locust is good for making rot-resistant lumber, feeding wildlife, producing fragrant flowers, and is one of the fastest growing trees in North America. But let’s dive into these benefits a bit more deeply.

Extremely Fast Growth Rate

Depending on the location and site conditions, Black Locust Trees can grow between 18″ and 48″ per year for the first 10 years of it’s life. But even after the first couple of years it can have an impressive 2.5′ growth per year, making this one of the fastest growing native trees. [1] [4]

Erosion Control

By having predominately shallow roots, combined with it’s fast growth make Black Locust one of the best trees to plant for erosion control. It is frequently used in land reclamation at abandoned mine sites. [1] [5]

Rot-resistant, valuable wood

Heartwood from Black Locust trees is a very hard and is extremely rot resistant. This makes it the perfect choice in outdoor uses such as decking, outdoor furniture, fence posts, or as a raised bed.

Wildlife friendly

Black Locust trees host over 50 species of insects, of which whose larvae will feed numerous songbirds. Additionally numerous game birds such as Wild Turkey, Grouse, or Pheasant will eat the seed for food.

Beautiful fragrant flowers

A grove or thicket of Black Locust Trees can provide one of the most fragrant and aromatic aromas in nature. Should you have the chance, go take in the essence of the Black Locust flowers as they are truly one of the most beautiful smelling flowers this author has ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

Cons of Black Locust Trees

Aggressive

In many areas of the world, Black Locust Trees are invasive. The suckering roots of the Black Locust Tree travel far and wide, sprouting new saplings as they go. These trees will spawn thickets of Black Locust if not kept in check.

Thorns

Young saplings and newer growth have small thorns up to 1/2″ long. These thorns are likely a product of evolution to dissuade mammals from browsing the foliage.

Susceptible to heart rot, Locust Borer

Black Locust trees are often attacked by the Locust Borer, which will create tunnels throughout the tree as larvae. These tunnels reduce the value of any lumber, and also provide a vector for heart rot. Heart rot fungus rots the center heartwood of the Black Locust, reducing the potential use and value of any tree.