This week we look at what some very durable choices for street trees. These include Kentucky Coffee Tree, Honeylocust and Golden Rain Tree. The latter two may have been overused for this application in the past several decades but are still good trees when used in combination with other Genus and species to increase diversity.
Gymnocladus dioicus,Kentucky Coffee Treeis a durable street tree, that once established is highly tolerant to adverse growing conditions.
Because Kentucky Coffee Tree can produce seed pods which may be perceived as a detriment by homeowners, you may wish to consider using the male clone,Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Expresso JFS’ ™,Expresso Kentucky Coffee Tree which as an oval vase shape upright growing habit and a yellow fall color. This clone produces no pods.
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis,Thornless Honeylocusthas been around for decades.
Improved varieties are thornless and have an upright growth habit.Gleditsia triacathos ‘Skycole’,Skyline Honeylocustmakes an excellent street tree with its conical form that broadens with age.
In most years, it has a golden yellow fall color.
Gleditsia triacathos ‘Street Keeper’®,Street Keeper Honeylocust is another great choice for a street tree cultivar as it has a tight, narrow branching habit.
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Suncole’,Sunburst Honeylocust has bright yellow new growth that contrasts to green foliage.
Two advantages of Honeylocust are the small compound leaves require no fall leaf clean-up
and the canopy is a filtered shade that allows turf to thrive by not inhibiting sunlight.
Koelreuteria paniculata,Goldenrain Treehas an excellent growth habit
and provides multi seasonal interest with flowers
fruit which persist into winter,
and leaf texture.
Koelreuteria paniculate‘JFS Sunleaf’ ™ Summerburst Goldenrain Tree has yellow flowers and yellow fall color. It tolerates heat well.
Koelreuteria paniculate‘September’, September Goldenrain Tree flowers in late August through September
and has beautiful yellow flowers that attract pollinators
and have great fall interest.
Concerns arise as to whether this tree can become invasive. In warmer climates they can be an invasive problem. This does not seem to be a problem in Northern Ohio but as you move south to warmer zones, check to see if this appears on your invasive lists for your location.
So, consider addingGymnocladus,Kentucky Coffee Tree,Gleditsia,Honeylocust, andKoelreuteria,Goldenrain Tree and cultivars to your street tree palette.