Hello,

Your tree appears to be a Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos f inermia). Read about Honey locust here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=245902

Sadly, the central leader of your tree appears to have died and it is impossible to see the cause from the picture. The death of the central leader stimulated buds lower on the trunk to sprout into new growth on the bottom half of the tree. Environmental conditions may have led to the problem. Soil compaction or lack of soil moisture can lead to the death of a tree. At this point, in order to improve this tree’s chances, ensure that it is properly watered as it goes into the winter. Mulch will keep the soil moist. Pull the grass back from the root collar and put down 2-3 inches of mulch over the roots, ensuring that the mulch does not lean up against the trunk as it can cause the bark to rot. Trees require at least 1 inch of water a week.

Before fertilizing, you need to obtain a soil analysis to ascertain whether fertilizer is necessary. To obtain a soil kit go to: https://shop.msu.edu/products/soil-test-mailer

Do not fertilize in the fall because it stimulates new growth which will not have time to harden off before winter weather sets in.

Read more about fertilizing: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Nutrition_and_fertilization_BertCreggfinal.pdf

Read more about general tree maintenance here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/index-planting.cfm

A certified arborist can assess the tree and decide what and how to prune it if necessary. To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org, the website of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.