Honey Locust Tree – How To Get Rid Of Root Sprouts

Q: I cut down a honey locust tree after I noticed sprouts emerging in my yard from the root system. I want to eliminate the new growth coming up. It’s not a very nice tree: 4″ thorns!

A: A honey locust tree naturally spreads by root sprouts. When you cut down the tree it immediately started trying to make new leaves by other means. It will be hard to do, but your best bet is simply to continue persistently removing the leaf sprouts. You can do this either by mowing or buy spraying it with glyphosate (Roundup). Either way, it may take a year to sufficiently weaken the roots so they no longer sprout.