Managing Honey Locust Trees in Pastures

[MikePhua]

Honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos) are commonly found in many areas of North America and have both beneficial and problematic traits for landowners, especially those managing pastures or open fields. These trees are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types and climates, which is why they are frequently seen in fields and pasturelands. However, while honey locust trees may provide some ecological benefits, they can also present challenges in agricultural and grazing settings.
Characteristics of Honey Locust Trees
Honey locust trees are medium to large-sized deciduous trees, typically reaching heights of 30 to 70 feet. They are well-known for their distinctive, thorny branches, which can make them difficult to manage, especially when they grow in dense clusters. Their long, compound leaves turn yellow in the fall, and they produce fragrant yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by large, flat seed pods that can reach up to 18 inches in length.
Ecological Benefits of Honey Locust Trees
Despite their spiny branches and the challenges they may pose in agricultural settings, honey locust trees offer some ecological benefits. Their deep roots allow them to thrive in dry, sandy soils, and they are often used in reclamation projects to stabilize soil. The trees are also nitrogen-fixing, meaning they help enrich the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes them a valuable asset in maintaining soil health, particularly in areas with poor soil quality.
The pods of honey locust trees are also a food source for wildlife. The sweet pulp inside the pods can attract birds, deer, and other animals. In some areas, honey locusts are planted intentionally to provide food for wildlife in the winter months when other resources are scarce.
Challenges of Honey Locust Trees in Pastures
For farmers and ranchers, however, the honey locust tree can present several challenges, especially when they are found in pastures that are meant for grazing. These challenges include:

1. Thorny Branches and Seed Pods: One of the biggest issues with honey locust trees is their sharp thorns, which can cause injury to livestock. These thorns can be particularly dangerous to animals like cattle, horses, and sheep, which may inadvertently injure themselves while grazing under or near the trees. Additionally, the large, flattened seed pods of the honey locust are often difficult for livestock to digest, and they can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.
   
2. Invasive Growth: Honey locusts can spread rapidly, especially when left unchecked. They can regenerate from their roots and seeds, which leads to an increased presence in pastures and fields. Over time, this can lead to overcrowding, shading out grass and other vegetation that animals rely on for forage.
   
3. Impact on Pasture Health: The dense canopy created by honey locust trees can shade out important pasture grasses and other plants that are vital for livestock nutrition. As the trees grow taller and the canopy becomes thicker, pasture productivity can decline, and available grazing land can be reduced. This can result in lower forage quality and decreased carrying capacity for livestock.
   

Managing Honey Locust Trees in Pastures
Managing honey locust trees effectively in pastures requires a balanced approach to both control their growth and minimize the potential hazards they pose. Below are some strategies for landowners looking to manage honey locust trees on their property:

1. Selective Removal: In some cases, it may be necessary to remove honey locust trees that pose a particular hazard to livestock. Selective removal involves identifying and cutting down trees that are growing too close to grazing areas or that are producing excessive seed pods. It's important to leave enough of the tree's root system intact to prevent future regrowth, and to ensure that proper disposal of the tree's thorny branches and pods is conducted to avoid injury to animals.
   
2. Chemical Control: Herbicide treatments can be used to control honey locust regrowth and seedling establishment. A combination of basal bark and foliar applications of herbicides can be effective at killing mature trees and preventing new saplings from growing. Herbicides containing triclopyr or glyphosate are commonly used for tree control in pastureland. However, careful attention must be paid to the timing and application rates to avoid harming desirable vegetation.
   
3. Mechanical Methods: For areas with heavy honey locust infestations, mechanical methods such as tree shearing, mowing, or mulching may be necessary. Tree shearing equipment can be used to remove large sections of trees and roots, while mowing or mulching can help manage smaller, more manageable seedlings. These methods may not provide immediate long-term control, but they can be part of a comprehensive pasture management plan.
   
4. Grazing Management: Limiting livestock access to areas with dense honey locust growth is an important way to minimize the risks to animals. Temporary fencing or exclusion zones can help keep animals away from hazardous areas. Additionally, managing grazing patterns to reduce damage to the pasture from overgrazing can help improve the health of grass and forage plants, reducing the likelihood of honey locust taking root in the first place.
   
5. Replanting: Once honey locust trees are controlled, it's important to replant pasture areas with desirable grasses and forages that can withstand grazing pressure. This helps restore the land and ensures that animals have access to the nutrients they need. Native grass species, legumes, and other pasture plants should be chosen based on local climate conditions and soil types.
   

Conclusion
While honey locust trees provide certain ecological benefits, including nitrogen fixation and wildlife food sources, they can also pose significant challenges in pastures. Their thorny branches, large seed pods, and invasive growth habits can harm livestock and reduce pasture productivity. By employing a variety of management techniques, including selective removal, chemical control, mechanical methods, and proper grazing management, landowners can successfully manage honey locust trees and maintain healthy, productive pastures for their livestock.
The key to effective management is understanding the specific needs of the land and balancing ecological benefits with the practical requirements of maintaining a thriving, safe environment for both livestock and crops. Whether through hands-on labor or the strategic use of herbicides, it is possible to reduce the impact of honey locust trees while preserving the overall health of the pastureland.