Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 200L 300L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.6m – 2.5m Approx.
100L: 2.6m – 3m Approx.
300L: 3.4m – 4.0m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 12m to 18m (approx.)

Mature Width: 8m to 15m

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Contact

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is a large thornless honey locust grown for its fine pinnate foliage and even, spreading crown. The leaflets are small and ferny, so the canopy filters light rather than blocking it. Fresh green in spring and summer, the foliage turns yellow through autumn before falling.

It performs in full sun to part shade across cool temperate, temperate and semi arid districts, taking frost, heat, wind and compacted urban soil in its stride. Growth is 30 to 60 centimetres a year. Once established it is drought tolerant and needs little beyond formative pruning in the early seasons.

This is a park and street tree first. Councils plant it along roads and through car parks, and it works over lawns and paved courtyards where dappled shade is wanted without heavy litter. On a larger residential block it will shade a house within a decade of planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Gleditsia 'Shademaster'

What is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'?

It is a named thornless cultivar of the honey locust, selected for a uniform upright branching pattern and an even, spreading crown. It suits Australian street and park planting because it takes hard urban conditions, casts light dappled shade, and carries fine ferny foliage that colours yellow in autumn before it drops.

How big does Shademaster Honey Locust grow?

At maturity it reaches 12 to 18 metres tall with a canopy spread of 8 to 15 metres, making it a genuine large shade tree. Allow that room at planting, well clear of buildings and overhead wires. On a restricted site, a compact honey locust selection is the better fit.

How fast does it grow?

Around 30 to 60 centimetres a year, faster in deep soil with summer moisture. An advanced tree puts on useful canopy within three or four seasons, which is why it is specified where shade is needed reasonably quickly. Growth slows as the tree approaches full height, and the crown then broadens rather than climbs.

Does it produce seed pods?

Very few. 'Shademaster' was selected in part for setting little to no fruit, so the long brown pods that litter the ground under seedling honey locusts are not an issue here. Small greenish flowers appear in spring and are barely noticeable. Autumn leaf drop is fine textured and breaks down fast.

Is it suitable for street and car park planting?

Yes, it is one of the standard choices. It tolerates compacted soil, reflected heat off asphalt, exhaust pollution and root restriction, and it has no thorns to catch pedestrians. The high branching habit clears vehicles and sight lines once the tree has been formatively pruned. Give the roots adequate soil volume.

Will grass grow underneath it?

Usually yes. The leaflets are small and widely spaced, so light filters through and the shade beneath is dappled rather than dense. Lawn, groundcovers and shade tolerant shrubs all grow underneath, which is unusual for a tree of this size. That quality is why it is used over turf and seating areas.

How do I care for Shademaster Honey Locust?

Water deeply through the first two or three summers, then it manages on rainfall in most temperate districts. Formative prune in the early years to establish a single leader and a clear trunk. After that, remove deadwood in late winter. Mulch annually and feed in early spring if growth looks slow.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Avenue Planting
Feature Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree
Street Tree

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 12m to 18m (approx.)

Mature Width: 8m to 15m

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year.

Growth Rate of Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' frost tolerant?

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' Flower?

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ produces small, greenish-yellow, lightly fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer. These modest racemes are subtle and largely hidden within the foliage, with the tree’s ornamental value centred more on its fine, airy canopy than on its bloom.

Does Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Catkin-like

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is Native to Native to central and eastern North America, where Gleditsia triacanthos grows in river valleys and woodlands. ‘Shademaster’ is a thornless cultivar, bred for its even form and adaptability.

What is the Wildlife Value of Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' ?

Its nectar-bearing flowers attract bees and small pollinating insects, while the open, dappled canopy provides ideal habitat for small birds seeking shelter and foraging space. The seed pods that develop later in the season offer food for wildlife and support insects that contribute to a healthy, biodiverse garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' need?

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Tough and adaptable, it will grow in poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then move to deep, occasional watering as it matures to support excellent drought performance, stable branching and its signature filtered shade canopy.

Is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' Drought Tolerant?

Is Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Shademaster’ develops excellent drought tolerance. Extremely hardy and adaptable, it performs well in hot, dry, exposed and urban environments and maintains its broad, filtered-shade canopy with very minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' in Different Soil

Gleditsia triacanthos performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What distinguishes Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' from other Honeylocust varieties?
A: 'Shademaster' is known for its elegant appearance, vibrant green foliage, and adaptability to various conditions.

Q: How tall can a mature Shademaster Honeylocust grow?
A: At maturity, it typically reaches a height of 12-18 meters, making it a majestic addition to landscapes.

Q: Is Shademaster Honeylocust suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for urban settings, thanks to its tolerance of pollution and adaptable nature.