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The sweetgum tree is a beautiful house tree, but it can grow very large. You can find out how to cut it correctly here. This is to be considered when cutting the sweetgum tree.
In a nutshell
- Sweet gum comes from America
- resembles a maple, grows up to 20 meters high in its homeland
- remains smaller in this country, but is still quickly too big in small gardens
- is cut compatible
- different cuts possible
Growth of sweetgum tree
This deciduous tree is planted in gardens mainly for its beautiful autumn colours. However, it is quickly too big for small gardens without pruning. Since it is a normal deciduous tree, it grows between 10 and 20 meters high. Its crown has a central shoot and is very expansive with age. If there is enough space, the tree can grow naturally, forming a beautiful crown by itself.
The decorative sweetgum tree (here: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Wisley King') can quickly take on enormous proportions.
cut sweetgum
You don't have to cut the sweetgum tree. However, it is cut compatible and can be brought into shape regularly. Various cutting shapes are possible. While fruit trees are pruned for yield and a pyramidal crown shape or a hollow crown is preferred, deciduous trees can have decorative shapes.
Notice: When cutting into the living wood, tree sap sometimes escapes. This does not harm the tree, but the sap is slightly toxic or may irritate the skin. Therefore, always work with gloves, even when the clippings are collected and removed. Always close larger wounds with a wound remedy or clay paste.
care cut
Even if regular pruning is not necessary, it makes sense to check the tree in spring and remove dead branches. The same applies if the tree is damaged by a storm or snow load. Since it is not affected by diseases or pests, it is not necessary to pay attention to such signs when pruning the sweetgum tree.
pruning
If the tree grows too large, the crown must be taken back. This is not so easy with old trees.
To prevent infection, please ensure you always have clean, sharpened cutting tools when cutting.
Necessary tool
- a stable ladder
- sharp and clean pruning saw
- just such pruning shears
- maybe a chainsaw
preparation
Before the sawing work begins, it should be roughly clear what the future crown should look like. Branches that are to be removed can be marked with spray paint. If the tree is to retain its natural form, a loose crown with three main branches is built up. With a topiary, things are a little different.
Instructions: Cut back sweetgum
- The right time is in late winter or early spring. Despite winter hardiness, it should not be cut in frost. The shoots could freeze back and then have to be treated.
- As a first step, remove the large branches that disturb the shape, grow crosswise, are dead or damaged.
- If there are no such branches, cut back the longest branches to the desired length.
- The middle leading branch should overhang the side branches.
- Match the smaller branches and twigs to the remaining branches. Do not shorten very young shoots, but remove them completely.
- Aftercare is important. Smooth out large wounds at the edges, possibly treat with wound sealant. But that is not absolutely necessary.
- Thin out new shoots the following summer. Then remove shoots that grow particularly steeply and upright from the inside of the crown.
Professional pruning of a tree
Notice: If the location is difficult or the tree is too large, it may be better to hire a professional company to do the pruning.
topiary
The topiary always requires a certain amount of effort and must be done regularly. If you do not want to take the time to do this once a year, it is better to let the tree grow in its natural form. It's not enough to simply drive the hedge trimmer along the contour. Since the tree is not a hedge, it would grow too dense over time and become bare from the inside due to a lack of light.
Instructions: Cut sweetgum as a column
- a pillar needs a strong, tapered central branch
- Lateral branches remain smaller and are subordinated to the main branch
- more side branches than with a normal crown shape
- Lower and shorten side branches that are too strong to younger ones
Instructions: Cut sweetgum into a ball
- looks easier than it is to cut
- don't just cut off all the overhanging branches
- Tree would otherwise sprout again everywhere
- Ball would otherwise quickly become unsightly again
- Shorten the main branches sharply into an approximate spherical shape
- Do not shorten side branches that are too long, but remove them at the base
use leftovers
After cutting the sweetgum, twigs and smaller branches are suitable as filling for raised beds. Stronger branches are good to use as firewood. If there is no raised bed, the clippings can simply remain in the garden as a pile of brushwood and serve as a retreat for beneficial insects. Another option is to chop the clippings and then use them for mulching.
chopper
Tip: Longer, well-grown branches can also be used for propagation. Branches that are at least 15 cm long and have three buds are suitable. They come in potting soil and are kept cool. The following spring is the right time to plant them out when they are sufficiently rooted.
frequently asked Questions
When is the ideal time to cut the sweetgum tree?In principle, as with most deciduous trees, pruning in autumn or early spring is recommended. Overhanging or disturbing side branches can also be removed in summer.
Does the tree need training pruning?This is only necessary if it is cultivated as a pot tree. If it is free-standing in the garden, it does not make sense to cut it in the first few years, as a beautiful crown will form on its own.
How is the sweetgum tree cared for?It is sufficient to provide a sufficiently large planting hole with nutrient-rich soil when planting. Then water well. In the first few years, water the tree from time to time and mulch the tree disc. Later it is easy to take care of.
Is the sweetgum tree hardy?Being from the temperate zone of America, it is completely hardy and doesn't need any shelter.