This large native tree with high wildlife value is best planted in a natural setting.
On the upside, sycamore is an attractive, fast-growingshade treethat withstands air pollution.
It has a rounded, open, wide-spreading form, and massive branches.
The exfoliating bark is visible from a distance, lending it special winter interest.
Sycamores produce distinctive spiked seed balls that persist on the tree through the winter.
Sycamore is native to North America and serves as a food source for wildlife.
Native songbirds eat the seeds and use the tree for nesting.
If grown in suitable conditions, sycamore has a lifespan of up to 200 years.
Planted as a specimen tree, sycamore makes a stately centerpiece in a landscape.
If not cleaned up, these affect the healthy growth of the turfgrass underneath.
Sycamore can be planted near a black walnut tree.
How and When to Plant Sycamore
Plant the tree in the early spring.
Place the tree in the planting hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the original soil and water well.
During the first growing season, keep the young tree well-watered in the absence of rain.
To give the tree adequate room to grow, leave a 60-foot distance to other trees and shrubs.
Light
Sycamore is best planted in a location with full sun but it tolerates partial shade too.
Soil and Water
In terms of soil conditions, sycamore is quite adaptable.
Consistent moisture is key.
Prolonged periods of dry soil can affect the lifespan of the tree.
If the soil is not naturally moist, water the tree during dry spells.
It does not have any specific humidity requirements but does not fare well in a hot, arid climate.
Fertilizer
Usually a single springtime software of a complete tree fertilizer is sufficient.
Prune the tree during its dormancy after the leaf drop in the fall and late winter.
Other potential diseases of sycamore are canker, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
Because its wood is soft, the tree is susceptible to wind damage.
How to Propagate Sycamore
The easiest way to propagate sycamore is fromhardwood cuttings.
Take 4- to 8-inch cuttings with buds from a healthy tree.
Remove the soft upper end of each cutting.
Place the pots in a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse in bright light but away from direct sunlight.
Water lightly to prevent the soil from drying out.
Let the cuttings grow into healthy saplings for at least one growing season before transplanting them into the landscape.
There are several improved cultivars of the London planetree.
Sycamores are considered fast-growing trees, adding up to 2 feet per year.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“Sycamore Anthracnose.
“Colorado State University Extension.
