Kentucky coffee tree

Kentucky coffee trees prefer deep, infrequent watering. During the summer months, they should be watered deeply every 7-10 days. In the winter months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks. Be sure to check the soil moisture level prior to watering, and only water if the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

The Kentucky coffee tree needs 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate shadier spots, but will not thrive without ample sunlight. The species prefers full sunlight during the spring and fall when the temperatures are more mild. In the summer it can tolerate some afternoon shade, but during the winter months it will require full sun all day. When grown in an area with chilly winters, such as the northern United States, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the tree from extreme cold temperatures.

Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) should be pruned lightly in late winter to early spring, removing any dead or broken branches as necessary. Pruning for Kentucky coffee tree should be minimal as it does not require frequent pruning and can even be dangerous for the tree if too much is removed. It's best to remove only dead or broken branches or bad forms and leave any other growth untouched. Heavy pruning should be avoided as it may result in stunting of growth and not be beneficial for the tree's health.