Robinia pseudoacacia Frisia

You need to stop the tree from developing any new substantial leaders which it may do, these will compete with the original leader and may result in a misshapen and structurally weak tree. Narrow crotch angles are weak in these trees.

Also, it may respond to pruning by developing suckers - shoots that grow upwards from the roots a little distance from the main trunk. Again these should be removed as soon as possible or they will compete.

Robinias don't really respond well to pruning I'm afraid, their natural vigour results in them trying to keep growing upwards and end up being an odd shape. I think if I were you, and you have the room, plant another some distance away from the house and by the time the new one has established itself, the original may have reached the point where sadly the felling axe may be needed. You could replace the current tree with a yellow-leaved shrub instead.

Q. My elderly father having cut down his Robinia frisia yellow leafed tree has found suckers coming up all over the lawn and up to the house. He is very worried as to if these will damage the foundations of the house or get into the drains and thinking of having 10 inches of topsoil removed to try and eliminate these suckers spreading. What is the solution to these spreading thorny suckers (once tree has been removed) and should these trees come with a government health warning. They are very pretty and really enliven a dull northern hemisphere garden. From Jane in Jersey U.K.

A. The suckers are coming from existing roots, any damage would have already been done, suckers just represent the tree trying to survive a disaster. Cut them (mow them?) as they appear and the resources will eventually be used up and the roots die. Should they have a health warning? I don't think so.

The suckers by the way won't be "Frisia" but the rootstock tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, the "Frisia" cultivar will have been grafted onto the species rootstock, so you can't use this as a quick way of getting dozens of new Frisia trees, they'll all be plain old R. pseudoacacia.

A. You can't, they don't - well they do very rarely and it's down to the individual tree. The species flowers - Robinia pseudoacacia - but frisia is a sport and the golden yellow foliage is the trade off for a lack of flowers.

Q. I have been looking at Robinia very informative, but you do not say when leaves should start in Spring. We have one that has not sprouted yet (April 2nd) and we are very worried about it.

A. Robinias do a very good line in dead-looking twigs and they're often one of the latest trees to shoot in the spring, there's plenty of native trees that aren't yet shooting, could be up to another month. If it still hasn't done so by mid May then worrying won't help but would be appropriate.

Q. Robinia "Frisia" - I am trying to find out what the root structure is on this tree. I have one planted within 4 feet of a neighbours house and they are concerned about the footings. Its a mature tree ( some 25ft high) and I want to avoid removing it if the roots don't present a problem. Have contacted several local garden centres without success. Any advise appreciated.

A. The root structure is almost irrelevant. A leafy 25 foot anything tree, just 4 feet from a house is far too close for comfort. Its not physical damage by the roots penetrating the foundations that is the problem so much as how the leaves suck up water and dry out the soil so causing shrinkage and swelling over the period of the year.

Will it actually do this? Who knows? There are far too many variables, but would I suggest that you leave it in place with an assurance that it is ok? no way. Would I plant a tree myself that will grow to such an height so close to a house? no way.

Robinias are members of the Leguminosae and so will most likely have a tap-root as characteristic of the family. Frisia can grow to 50ft and doesnt take kindly to pruning.

Q. We removed a Robinia last year and of course the shoots from the old root are emerging all over the backyard. I have been treating these with blackberry killer and kero, is it true that the shoots should be treated within 30 seconds of splicing the sucker and how many years will this have to be done until they don't re appear?

A. I'd be less inclined to treat with any kind of weedkiller, more just to mow them down when they get big enough for the blades to reach them. It causes less harm to surrounding plants and soil this way. The secret is to make sure they don't get big enough to feed the reserves again. Growing to food-making size uses energy, allowing them to start to make food again fills the reserves.

The 30 second rule is news to me. If you really want to get to them, follow a shoot and dig down to a big underground root, use a big - 12mm drill bit, make a hole and fill with your blackberry killer - dot this treatment around and you'll have better success.

Q. I would like to plant a false acacia tree in my front garden, one metre from a four foot stone wall and the pathway on the roadside. It's south facing, sheltered by the wall as the ground dips, and I want it to add height and interest to a boring front garden (but not too much height.) Is this he right tree? Worried it may grow too tall and have read that pruning isn't good for it.

A. Is 30ft too tall? If it is, then go for something else as this is what it will reach at least. If you want a smaller tree I'd go for a Victoria plum as I love them and they give you spring blossom and autumn colour too. Other suggestions here.

Q. I have just bought 2 Robinias, as recommended by a garden center (who was aware of my garden dimensions). I have planted them (wrongly thinking they are miniatures) 4' apart, as centrepiece to a flowerbed measuring 1.2m x 4m. My garden is 3.5m x 10m and they are 6m away from the house. I have now read your information and I'm worried they're going to cause me a whole lot of trouble. I am now thinking of digging them up. What do you think?

A. This page is about Robinia pseudoacacia, as this is the commonest Robinia, there are other species in the Robinia genus, some of which are much smaller and suitable for your site.

Robinia Pseudoacacia "Frisia" - False Acacia - Tree

One of the most popular ornamental trees. A light and airy canopy allows light to filter through so it can be grown in places where other trees might cast too dense a shadow.

There are a variety of cultivars available, but the most popular and best is "Frisia" which has golden yellow foliage that appears all the brighter with the sun shining through it. Unlike most yellow leaved plants, rather than getting darker and greener as the season goes on, this one gets yellower and brighter right up to the autumn.

Also commonly offered is the species Robinia pseudoacacia, a less refined tree by comparison and inferior for most garden purposes. It produces fragrant white flowers in spring and midsummer however, it is larger than Frisia and produces more suckers. The leaves of the species form are dark green in colour. It is faster growing and more aggressive than the more benign frisia.

Height and spread Frisia: 50 ft (15m) x 25ft (8m)

Position: full sun or partial shade

Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well drained. Will grow in most soils, but not anything that is too wet or waterlogged.

Rate of growth: medium-vigorous

Other Features: Not for exposed situations as the branches are rather brittle and may be broken off in exceptionally strong winds and storms. All parts poisonous if ingested. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution.

Hardiness: fully hardy

Make sure you purchase a potted and rooted tree. They are sometimes offered as bare rooted trees in the winter months which are larger and cheaper. These can be good value if they are replanted almost immediately, but will not survive very long at all if not, certainly no where as long as other kinds of tree commonly sold bare rooted. If there is any doubt at all as to how long they have been out of the ground, then decline to purchase.

Uses - Ornamental specimen tree

Robinia Pseudoacacia "Frisia"

Robinia Pseudoacacia "Frisia" - False Acacia - Tree