Sweet gum tree

[Emma1911]

I am looking for as much info on growing sweet gum trees in the uk as possible! I have one of these magnificent trees to plant but am wondering about height/spread also how close you can plant them to the house orchid back fence any info much appreciated

[The Woodman]

Hi Emma1911

In the absence of any replies, there is some info on the species in this Wiki link....Liquidambar styraciflua - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There are some sizes quoted and I might be very cautious about planting too near the house. You don't say how big your garden is. If you can give us an idea them more advice might be forthcoming.

[aeshna5]

I did post on another thread that Emma posted a similar question that there are many good numbers of these beautiful trees planted in London parks + gardens.

Some are large trees in excess of 20m, but not sure whether they have attained the maximum 30m stated in some books. The autumn colour is often spectacular though can vary with cultivars.

I would suggest it's not suitable for a small garden unless it's kept pruned to a relatively small size.

[The Woodman]

Sorry, aeshna5, I hadn't picked up on that.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Sorry, aeshna5, I hadn't picked up on that.

Hey that's fine. I'm not even sure where that other post is now, so I'm sure it would be easy to have missed it!

[Emma1911]

Hi thanks for the replies I re posted here as didn't realise there was a forum for trees! Sorry only been on here a few days I think we have decided it will be too large for my garden so it is goingto my uncle .. Back to te drawing board!

[Dorts]

Emma, I wouldn't be put off by the potential size of Liquidambar, In my experience, it is not a fast growing tree and it does respond well to pruning. Unless you can offer it a good acid loam or clay soil it is unlikely to grow out of control and may even struggle in dry chalky soils.
Dorts.