Description:

• Ultimate Height & Width - May grow up to 70' in height and and width. Rarely realized in urban settings since the tree is usually planted in parking islands and along streets.
• Foliage - Compound leaves that are green throughout the growing season before turning yellow in the fall.
• Trunk/branch/trunk characteristics - Those cultivar/varieties that are "armed" may have thorns several inches long. Usually has a short trunk with numerous low spreading branches.
• Flower/fruit - Long brown seed pods.

CPTED Properties:

• Access Control - Pronounced thorns on trunk and stem. Excellent deterrent to trespassers as long as the canopy is remains low. May be planted near residential structures since it is not a climbing aid (presence of thorns all along the trunk and branches).
• Natural Surveillance - Leggy branch structure and compound leaves result in a naturally thin canopy that allows light to penetrate through to the ground resulting in a more uniform distribution of light on the ground beneath the tree and allows for some natural surveillance through the tree.
• Territoriality -  Turf actually performs pretty well under the canopy of honey locusts since so much light is able to penetrate. The dropping of seedpods can create a mess, especially on paved surfaces.  Overall, honey locusts can tolerate many insect and disease pests, however, left untreated, some pests (i.e. webworms) may make the tree into an  eyesore for a period of time during the growing season. Structural pruning necessary when the tree is young to select for and train for good branch structure.

Requirements

• Hardiness & Urban Toughness: USDA Zones 4 to 9 (average annual minimum temperature from -30ºF - 20ºF). Grows relatively fast. Seems to tolerate most urban conditions. Honey locusts are used to be the "pioneer species" in that it (along with eastern cedars) are some of the first trees to get established in abandoned fields. Why? No animal wants to mess with the nasty tasting cedar or the incredibly painful honey locust.
• Light - Grows best in full sun. Avoid planting under the canopy of existing mature trees.
• Potential Urban Conflicts: Seed pods can be messy on paved surfaces. Not recommended for planting under utility lines. Low hanging branches could pose a serious threat to pedestrians (intended users).

Note: There are varieties available that are thornless and produce a reduced number of seedpods. Although these types of honey locust no longer provide access control they still provide a great deal in natural surveillance and territoriality.

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