How to Trim a Honey Locust Tree

The honey locust tree (Gleditsia triacanthos) produces green flowers in the springtime and prefers dry soil. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4a through 9b. The leaves of the honey locust are small and grow evenly in pairs along its branches. Some varieties of the honey locust grow thorns that reach 12 inches in length. Take caution when pruning a honey locust with thorns to avoid scratches. Honey locust trees must be pruned in late summer or early fall.

Gardening gloves
Tree clippers
Hand saw

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which branches to prune. Remove dead or damaged branches first. Branches without leaves or with large cracks in their bark can become hazardous if left on the tree. Remove branches that sprout from the trunk at an angle less than 45 degrees. These branches are less sturdy. Remove any branches growing horizontally inward back toward the trunk.
- 2
  Hold the clippers and trim the branches as close to the trunk as possible, starting with the dead branches. Remove badly angled branches and ones that grow inward. Do not remove more than 30 percent of the branches at any one time, as this will damage the tree.
- 3
  Slice the removed branches into sections to be used as firewood or kindling, or discard with your yard waste.

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