While some are interested in the miniature version, the sweetgum tree as a bonsai, others are toying with the unmissable variant, the sweetgum tree on a standard tree. What should you pay attention to with this form?
How big does a sweetgum tree grow on a standard trunk and where can it be planted?
In Europe, a sweetgum tree on a standard trunk reaches a final height of 10 to 15 meters and a growth width of 3 to 7 meters. The colorful autumn foliage tree prefers to grow in sunny locations and is suitable for open lawns, parks, street areas or spacious home gardens.
Advantages of this high tribe
As a standard tree, the sweetgum tree cannot be overlooked, especially in autumn. It literally lights up like a beam of light. This is thanks to its colorful autumn leaves in sunny locations. This presents itself in the most beautiful and dazzling autumn colors!
This tree also impresses with its growth. Many varieties naturally form a shapely crown. It does not require any topiary pruning, but has grown conical to rounded without the use of pruning shears etc. Last but not least, you don't have to do much work with this standard tree once it's grown.
What size does the sweetgum tree reach on a standard trunk?
While the sweetgum tree can grow up to 40 m high in its native North America, in this country it usually remains much smaller. Its final height is between 10 and 15 m.
The width of the sweetgum tree, which is grown on a standard trunk, measures between 3 and 7 m. 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 wide.
Here are more details about its growth:
- Trunk height: 160 to 180 cm
- When purchased, usually around 3.50 m high
- Growth rate: 20 to 50 cm per year
- Crown initially narrow, later oval to round
Planting the sweetgum tree on a standard trunk
You should give this heart root plenty of space! It's not just his crown that becomes quite wide. The roots (heart roots) are also extensive. Full sun locations are ideal. In partial shade, the sweetgum tree grows more slowly and becomes less colorful in autumn.
Transplanting is not recommended in old age. The sweetgum tree doesn't tolerate this well. When young (up to 5 years), transplanting is not a problem. To avoid this becoming necessary, you should attach great importance to the planting distance. It is best to keep a distance of 5 m!
Perfect locations for the standard tree
High stems cannot be planted everywhere. For such a magnificent and expensive specimen like the sweetgum tree, you should choose a location where it cannot be overlooked. The following are well suited:
- open lawns
- Parks
- Avenues
- Street areas
- generous 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 tree a little in winter. In spring it can be cut if necessary. With this size you need a ladder!
Tip
Leave the leaves of the standard trunk on the ground in autumn. It rots and serves as fertilizer for the tree in the new year. This saves additional fertilization.
