Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct
Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct
Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct
Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct
Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct
Liquidambar styraciflua - Evergreen Trees Direct

Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum

300L: Approx. 3.4 – 3.8 m tall
100L: Approx. 2.8 – 3.4 m tall
40cm/45L: Approx. 1.6 – 1.8 m tall

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Size
$1,600.00
$1,600.00
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as Sweetgum, is a premium deciduous tree valued for its spectacular seasonal display and versatile landscape use. Growing up to 20 meters tall and 10 meters wide, it features glossy green leaves that transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and deep red in autumn, creating stunning visual impact.

With a pyramidal to rounded form, straight trunk, and strong branching, Sweetgum is ideal for large gardens, street plantings, and parks. It thrives in full sun, tolerates frost and moderate drought, and requires moderate watering during the growing season. This low- to moderate-maintenance tree provides shade, structure, and year-round interest, making it a superb focal or functional specimen for spacious landscapes.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Liquidambar styraciflua
GENUS:
Liquidambar
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
Liquidambar styraciflua
COMMON NAME:
Sweetgum
FAMILY:
Altingiaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Broad
FORM & SHAPE
  • Upright
  • Rounded

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Medium Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate)

MATURE HEIGHT

15m - 25m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

Up to 10 meters

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Street Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Shade Tree
FLOWER COLOUR
Not Applicable
FLOWER TYPE
  • Not Applicable
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Spring
  • Summer

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Feature Planting: Space 6 – 8 m apart to showcase canopy shape

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable

Avenue Planting: Space 8 – 10 m apart for formal alignment and full canopy development

Ensuring A Strong Start

How to Plant:

  1. Select an Ideal Location: Choose a well-drained planting site with exposure to full sun or partial shade.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile and well-aerated.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the tree, ensuring it's level with the ground.
  4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly.
  5. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring for Your Sweetgum Tree:

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the tree's early years.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed; remove dead or damaged branches during dormancy.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Growing Your Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

This tree prefers well-drained, moist soils but adapts to a variety of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains less moisture, so mulch and add organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Can compact easily—improve drainage with compost and sand.

Loamy Soil: The ideal soil type for strong root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers slightly acidic soil, but adapts to neutral and slightly alkaline soils.

Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How fast does the Sweetgum tree grow?
A: Sweetgum trees have a moderate growth rate and can take several years to reach maturity.

Q: Do Sweetgum trees require special care during the winter?
A: While they can withstand winter conditions well, it's advisable to protect young trees from frost or cold snaps.

Q: Are Sweetgum trees prone to pests or diseases?
A: Sweetgum trees can sometimes be affected by pests like scale insects and diseases like canker, but they are generally hardy when adequately cared for.

Q: What should I do if the tree experiences leaf drop in summer?
A: Leaf drop in summer can occur due to stress or drought. Ensure the tree receives adequate water and care during hot months to prevent this issue.











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