Effects of Turf Competition and Fertilizer Application on Trunk Diamater and Nutrient Composition of Honeylocust

Abstract

Bare-root field grown honeylocust (Gleditsia trlacanthos 'Skyline') was planted in established bermudagrass and fertilized at planting with two rates each of Nitroform (38·0·0) and ProGrow (31 -5-6). A 60 cm turf clearing around the tree trunk was maintained using glyphosate. Tree trunk diameter was the same for the first growing season regardless of the treatment. In the second growing season, Nitroform at 227 g/tree resulted in greater trunk diameter than the control plants. ProGrow at 278 g/tree gave growth similar lo the Nitroform. Doubling the fertilizer rate did not increase tree growth. Fertilized plants had a greater foliar N and chlorophyll content and appeared greener than the control plants.