Troubleshooting
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' problems — and how to fix them
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' (Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Honey locust gall midge
Gall midges can deform new shoots and leaflets into swollen pods, especially on the soft golden growth. Pick off and destroy affected tips on small trees; established trees usually outgrow the damage.
Spider mites
Hot, dry conditions encourage mites that bronze and stipple the fine foliage. Hose down accessible growth and keep the tree well watered to reduce stress-driven outbreaks.
Sun scorch on golden leaves
The bright new foliage can scorch at the margins in fierce heat or strong wind on dry soils. Mulch and water well; the effect is usually cosmetic and outgrown as leaves mature.
Cankers and dieback
Stressed or wounded trees may develop cankers (e.g. Thyronectria) causing branch dieback. Keep trees vigorous, prune cleanly in late summer, and remove any sunken, cracked or dying wood.
Prevent gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' problems before they start
Most gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' watering schedule
- Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' light requirements
- Best soil mix for gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst'
- Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' temperature & humidity
- Full gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' care guide
Looking for gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' in general rather than its problems? Read the full gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' problems — FAQ
Why is my gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' honey locust gall midge?
Gall midges can deform new shoots and leaflets into swollen pods, especially on the soft golden growth. Pick off and destroy affected tips on small trees; established trees usually outgrow the damage.
Why is my gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' spider mites?
Hot, dry conditions encourage mites that bronze and stipple the fine foliage. Hose down accessible growth and keep the tree well watered to reduce stress-driven outbreaks.
Why is my gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' sun scorch on golden leaves?
The bright new foliage can scorch at the margins in fierce heat or strong wind on dry soils. Mulch and water well; the effect is usually cosmetic and outgrown as leaves mature.
Why is my gleditsia triacanthos 'sunburst' cankers and dieback?
Stressed or wounded trees may develop cankers (e.g. Thyronectria) causing branch dieback. Keep trees vigorous, prune cleanly in late summer, and remove any sunken, cracked or dying wood.