The tree is best transplanted in the late winter and early spring when it’s balled and burlapped or transplanted from a container-grown nursery stock at any time during the year. It will grow somewhat slowly, reaching 9 to 12 feet in about a decade. Its mature size will reach 30 to 50 feet high and equally as wide, forming into a vase shape. Each leaf will measure up to 12 inches long and will be made up of seven to 11 leaflets. They will change to yellow in the fall.
Light
Site this tree in a spot where it will receive at least part sun. Full sun is best to encourage flowering.
Soil
Alkaline and acidic soils are both handled well by this tree. It can also tolerate the full range of soils from sand to clay.
Water
This tree does handle drought as long as the roots have had a proper chance to spread through a growing season of regular watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Yellowwood is adaptable but does prefer isolated forest environments with good air circulation. It can be found in well-drained limestone soils in river valleys, slopes, and ridges along streams.
Fertilizer
The yellowwood is one of the Fabaceae family members that does not utilize nitrogen fixation. You may need to fertilize it if tests show N levels are low and symptoms like yellowing foliage appear. Test to be sure as conditions like drought or overwatering have the potential to also cause yellow leaves.
Yellowwood Tree Varieties
The yellowwood belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family. This is a large family with species like wattles (Acacia spp.), silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), thornless honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis), and the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). If you prefer pink flowers, look for the ‘Perkin’s Pink’/‘Rosea’ variety.
Pruning
You should start pruning when the tree is young to help it keep good branch angles. The branches tend to grow close to each other and the wood can be brittle. Take these steps for adequate pruning:
Common Pests & Diseases
This tree does not have many pest or disease issues that crop up. It is possible, however, that verticillium wilt, cankers, rots, and decay could strike.
