When Should I Prune my False Acacia Tree?

When during the year should you prune a false acacia tree? Why is false acacia tree pruning important? What are the most common diseases and pests that affect the false acacia? Read on to learn all you need to know…

The false acacia or Robinia tree is a fast growing, suckering deciduous tree displaying dark green to yellow, pinnate leaves and pea-type, drooping clusters of subtly scented white flowers in late spring to early summer. The tree spreads quickly and can grow to heights of 25 metres.

This is a particularly striking tree, grown for its rich-coloured foliage. Also known as the rose acacia or black locust, this is a tree that is widely used as an ornamental specimen.

Why prune a false acacia tree?       

The established false acacia needs little pruning and, in fact, does not respond well to pruning generally. Heavy pruning does not tend to heal very well and the wounds are prone to rot.

Pruned false acacia trees often respond with an outburst of vigorous and weak water shoots that can become dangerous if they are left to grow. Some are grown as pollarded specimens which are designed to be cut back hard each spring and treated as a shrub: ideal for a small garden.

Misshapen trees are best replaced altogether.

When is the best time for false acacia pruning?

False acacia pruning should be carried out during late summer to early autumn so as to prevent sap bleeding which can attract bugs which tend to bring with them bacteria and diseases.

If suckers need to be removed then this is best done in the autumn. Branches that have been damaged should be removed during the same time unless they are posing a particular hazard, in which case they should be cleared as soon as they are detected.

What to look for when pruning a false acacia tree

The false acacia is generally disease free, although it can be susceptible to Frisia dieback. There have been a number of reports to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) over the past few years of Robinia pseudocacacia Frisia failing to come into full leaf in the spring, with some accounts suggesting that the leaves are losing their leaflets although leaving behind the leaf rib on the tree. This is the yellow leafed version; the green leafed version appears to be unaffected.

Symptoms to look out for include brown spots on leaves with shoots arising from the trunk and boughs. The tree does not generally recover.

Tree Preservation Orders

Never proceed with any tree work where a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in force. You will need to check this before going ahead because if there is one then you will be required to apply to the local authority for permission to undertake works. Such permission may take up to eight weeks to be granted. Also, if the tree is situated in a conservation area, you will need official permission before undertaking works of any kind.

The importance of false acacia pruning expertise

If you want to make sure your false acacia tree is properly taken care of and kept in tip top condition then it is wise to engage the help of a qualified tree surgeon.

Tree surgeons are professionally trained and qualified experts who know exactly when and how to undertake false acacia pruning and they also know how to identify and deal with any signs of disease such as Frisia dieback.

When choosing a tree surgeon, be sure to ask to see checkable references and certificates that prove the qualifications they claim to have. Also ask for sight of insurance documents for peace of mind that you are covered for the work being carried out. Finally, if possible, try to engage a tree surgeon with Trading Standards and local authority approval for a guarantee of quality and value for money.

If you have a false acacia tree that needs pruning, why not get in touch with T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and highly experienced Trading Standards and local authority approved tree surgeons, we can provide specialist expertise across all aspects of false acacia tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, contact our friendly experts on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.

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