While some are interested in the miniature version, the sweetgum tree as a bonsai, others flirt with the conspicuous variant, the sweetgum tree on a standard tree. What should you watch out for with this form?

A sweetgum tree as a standard tree grows up to 15 meters high in our latitudes

Advantages of this high trunk

As a standard tree, the sweetgum tree cannot be overlooked, especially in autumn. It literally lights up like a cone of light. It owes this to its colorful autumn foliage in sunny locations. This presents itself in the most beautiful and dazzling autumn colors!

Furthermore, this tree convinces with its growth. Many varieties form a shapely crown by nature. It does not require a shape cut, but has grown cone-shaped to rounded without the help of pruning shears etc. Last but not least, you don't have to do much work with this standard tree once it has established itself.

What size does the sweetgum tree reach on a standard?

While the sweetgum tree can grow up to 40 m high in its native North America, it usually stays much smaller in this country. Its final height is between 10 and 15 m.

The sweetgum grown on a standard tree measures between 3 and 7 m in width. In North America, a growth width of 10 m is not uncommon. But it will take at least a decade for it to get that big.

Here are more details about his growth:

  • Trunk height: 160 to 180 cm
  • usually around 3.50 m high when bought
  • Growth rate: 20 to 50 cm per year
  • Crown initially narrow, later ovoid to round

Plant the sweetgum tree on a standard

You should give this heart root a lot of space! Not only his crown is quite wide. The roots (heart roots) are also far-reaching. Full sun locations are ideal. In partial shade, the sweetgum tree grows more slowly and becomes less colorful in autumn.

In old age, a transplant campaign is not advisable. The sweetgum tolerates that badly. At a young age (up to 5 years) transplanting is not a problem. So that this is not necessary, you should attach great importance to the planting distance. It is best to keep a distance of 5 m!

Perfect locations for the clear stem

Standard trees cannot be planted everywhere. For such a magnificent and also expensive specimen like the sweetgum tree, you should choose a location where it cannot be overlooked. Well suited are among others:

  • open lawns
  • parks
  • avenues
  • street areas
  • spacious home gardens
  • forest edge areas
  • office complexes

Winter protection - initially recommended

In the first few years, it is not a mistake to protect the sweetgum a little in winter. In the spring it can be cut if necessary. At this size you need a ladder!

tips

Leave the foliage of the clear stem on the ground in autumn. It rots and serves as fertilizer for the tree in the new year. This saves additional fertilization.

Category:

Trees