Seeing lots of dying black locusts

[curly_kate]

These aren't on my property, but my husband & I noticed when driving along a local interstate (I275 in Kentucky) there are bunches of what look to be black locusts with yellow leaves. It's also possible that they are walnut trees, but we're both pretty sure they are locusts (not really able to get a closer look). I can't find anything on the internet about a widespread infection/infestation of the trees. Has anyone heard anything lately about something that might be killing the black locusts? We keep bees, and they LOVE the black locust flowers in the spring, so it's concerning. So far, we haven't seen any signs of damage to the trees on our property, but if it's something widespread, I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

 

[wifezilla]

Out here it is bark beetles killing off our trees. Sorry I can't be helpful.

 

[digitS']

I was thinking about this post as I was out driving around this morning, Kate.

There are some areas of the East where there are many more native locust than here. There's plenty here, tho'. They almost outnumber the Norway Maple in the older neighborhoods.

Right now, the pavement is stained with honeydew, under the maples. The locust, however, are also covered in aphids secreting honeydew . . .

Someone should correct me if I'm wrong but the maples don't drop leaves after the aphids are done with them. The locust sure do! Already, some of their leaves are beginning to yellow. Maybe this is what you are seeing.

Steve