Urban Trees Skyline Honeylocust Named the Urban Tree of the Year WELLESLEY HILLS, MA The Skyline Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis 'Skycole') has been selected as this year's Urban Tree of the Year by the Society of Municipal Arborists. The popularity of this tree comes from its tolerance to the urban environment, its ability to withstand road salt, and its lack of serious pest problems. The intent of this annual selection is not to indicate that this tree is the "perfect" tree that can grow anywhere, but is to make Landscape Architects, planners and arborists aware of this tree and its benefits. The Honeylocust is also known as the Sweet Locust, Thorn Tree, Three-thorned Acacia, or Honey Shucks. It is a medium or large-sized tree attaining a height of 50-100 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-6 feet. The Honeylocust grows naturally in rich bottomlands or on slopes where the soils are of limestone origin. Unlike the showy flowers of the Common Locust, those of the Honeylocust are inconspicuous, small and greenish in color. The polygamous nature of the flowers usually allows for some perfect flowers, and hence, fruit will occur. In particular, the Skyline Honeylocust, unlike the rest of its species, has dark green leaves and a bright golden yellow autumn color. According to society spokesperson Leonard Phillips, "Since we seldom have native soil in our cities, why try to grow native trees in urban soil? Many cultivars such as Skyline Honeylocust have been developed to tolerate urban soil, air pollution, salt, etc.; they require little maintenance once they have been established; and they have an excellent shape."