Planting and Caring for the Kentucky Coffeetree in Colorado

February 4, 2025

A Detailed Guide on Planting and Caring for the Kentucky Coffeetree in Colorado.

The Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a versatile and hardy deciduous tree native to the central and eastern United States. It is celebrated for its adaptability, unique appearance, and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in Colorado and the Denver Metro Area. This blog provides a guide for homeowners looking at both planting and caring for the Kentucky coffeetree in Colorado’s climate and soil conditions.

A Quick Overview of the Kentucky Coffeetree

The Kentucky coffeetree is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 50-60 feet tall with a spread of 40-50 feet. It features a vase-shaped canopy, stout branches, and coarse twigs. The tree’s compound leaves are among the largest of any native North American tree, reaching up to three feet in length. In summer, the foliage provides a dappled shade effect, and in fall, the leaves turn a soft golden-yellow before dropping.

The tree’s bark is gray-brown with deep ridges, adding winter interest. Its seed pods are distinctive, thick, and leathery (measuring 5-10 inches long). While the seeds are toxic if consumed raw, early settlers roasted them as a coffee substitute, hence the name Kentucky coffeetree. The Kentucky coffeetree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. So if seed pods are undesirable, selecting a male tree or seedless “Espresso” variety is preferable.

Benefits of Planting the Kentucky Coffeetree

  1. Adaptability: The Kentucky coffeetree can tolerate a wide range of soil types (from clay to sandy soils) and once established is drought-resistant. 
  2. Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and has few pest or disease issues.
  3. Urban-Friendly: The Kentucky coffeetree thrives in urban environments due to its high tolerance for pollution and compacted soils.
  4. Aesthetically Pleasing: Its unique branching structure, large leaves, and winter silhouette make it a visually striking part of your landscape throughout the year.

Planting the Kentucky Coffeetree in Colorado

Colorado’s climate poses some challenges for trees such as dry air, fluctuating temperatures, and alkaline soils. However, the Kentucky coffeetree is a hardy tree that makes it well-suited for the Colorado region.

How To Choose A Planting Site?

Choose a location with the following characteristics:

  • Sunlight: The Kentucky coffeetree thrives in full sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct light daily.
  • Well-Draining Soil: Although the Kentucky coffeetree can tolerate various soil types, well-draining soil promotes healthy root development.
  • Space: It is important to allow ample space for the tree to reach its mature height and spread without crowding nearby structures or plants.

Steps for Planting the Kentucky Coffeetree

  1. Timing: It is best to plant the tree in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
  2. Digging: Start by digging a hole twice as wide and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball. This will encourage the roots to spread outward.
  3. Amending the Soil: If the soil is extremely compacted or clay-heavy, amend it with compost to improve both the aeration and drainage.
  4. Placement: Remove the tree from the container or the burlap wrapping and place it in the hole. Ensure the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) is slightly above ground level.
  5. Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil, gently compressing it to eliminate air pockets. After compacting it, watering it thoroughly will help the soil settle.
  6. Mulching: Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree’s base (keeping it a few inches away from the trunk) will help retain the moisture and keep the soil temperature regulated.

Caring for the Kentucky Coffeetree

After planting, proper care is essential for the tree to thrive, particularly during the first couple of years.

Watering

  • Younger Trees: During the growing season, water deeply once a week and reduce the watering frequency in fall and winter.
  • Established Trees: After 2-3 years, the Kentucky coffeetree becomes more established and is more drought-tolerant therefore requiring minimal supplemental watering. During prolonged dry spells, occasional deep watering is beneficial for the tree.

Fertilizing

Typically, the Kentucky coffeetree does not require fertilization. However, if the tree exhibits slow growth or pale leaves, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.

Pruning

Pruning of the Kentucky coffeetree should be minimal and performed while the tree is dormant (during late winter or early spring). When pruning, focus on removing:

  • Dead or diseased branches
  • Crossing or rubbing branches
  • Low-hanging limbs that interfere with foot traffic or vehicles

Pest and Disease Management

The Kentucky coffeetree is remarkably resistant to pests and diseases. Occasionally, it may experience minor issues such as:

  • Leaf Spot: Caused by fungal pathogens, but this is generally cosmetic and does not require treatment.
  • Scale Insects: Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

Winter Care

Colorado’s harsh winters can stress young trees. To help protect the tree, homeowners can:

  • Wrap the trunk with tree wrap to prevent sunscald.
  • Water during dry winter periods when the ground is not frozen.

Landscaping Uses

Why should a home or property owner choose the Kentucky coffeetree when choosing a new tree to plant?  

The Kentucky coffeetree is an excellent choice for:

  • Shade: Its open canopy provides light shade which is ideal for patio or lawn areas.
  • Windbreaks: Planting in rows can serve as a windbreak in open areas.
  • Specimen Planting: Its unique form and seasonal interest make it a beautiful focal point for any landscape.

How To Identify A Kentucky Coffeetree

  • Leaf: Each leaflet is 2 to 2.5 inches long (broadest at the base). It has large leaves measuring three feet long and 24 inches wide. Small oval leaflets create a feathery appearance.
  • Bud: Small, reddish-brown, and often hidden within the leaf scar.
  • Stem: Very stout, with a coarse texture and prominent lenticels.
  • Leaf Scar: Large, heart-shaped and sunken into the stem. 
  • Flower: Fragrant flowers that are greenish-white and appear in late spring.  Male and female flowers occur on separate trees with the male being approximately 4 inches long and the female approximately 12 inches long. 

 

In conclusion, the Kentucky coffeetree is an adaptable, beautiful, low-maintenance tree that thrives in Colorado’s challenging climate conditions. By selecting a suitable planting site, following proper planting techniques and providing consistent care during its establishment period, homeowners can enjoy the many benefits the Kentucky coffeetree has to offer. 

Whether it is used for shade, aesthetics, or resilience in urban environments, the Kentucky coffeetree can be a valuable addition to your Colorado landscape.  Thinking about making some changes or adding a new tree this year?  Give the Splintered Forest team of ISA Certified Arborists a call to discuss your options and to determine if the Kentucky coffeetree is the right choice for your next planting.  

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