Mature Styraciflua Sweet Gum Options
100cm+: 5L pot aprox 1-2 years old.
100-150cm: 7-9L pot, 2-3 years old.
150-180cm: 2-3 years old, 5-12 Litre pot. Usually Half Standard.
180-240cm: 3-4 years old, 12-15 Litre pot. Usually Half Standard.
200-250cm: 4-6 years old, 15-20L pot. Usually Half Standard. ​​​​​​​
200+cm: Feathered tree, 18-25L container.
250+cm: Feathered tree, 35-50L container.
300+cm: Feathered tree, 35-50L container.
350+cm: Feathered tree, 50-70L container.
400+cm: Feathered tree, 80-110L container.
Multi-stem 300-350cm: 70-90L pot (aprox), Bush/multistem
Multi-stem 350-400cm: 110-130L pot (aprox), Bush/multistem
Multi-stem 400-450cm: 130-136L pot (aprox), Bush/multistem
Girth 10-12cm : Standard,30-35L pot, *Roughly 300-360cm tall.
Girth 12-14cm : Standard,50L pot, *Roughly 360-420cm tall.
Girth 14-16cm : Standard,70L pot, *Roughly 420-480cm tall.
Girth 16-18cm : Standard,110L pot, *Roughly 480-540cm tal.
Girth 18-20cm : Standard,130L pot, *Roughly 540-600cm tall.
*Heights are given as a very rough guideline and can have considerable variation based on species and supplier (each nursery experiences different growing conditions) It may even have been pruned before being sent out so we can only guarantee girth. Trees over 5.5m may include a delivery surcharge based on location and species.
Once a mature Styraciflua Sweet Gum is over around 200cm/4 years old then girth is the best measure of value for money. For every girth measurement increment e.g. 6-8cm to 8-10cm (roughly 12-18months growth), the canopy will be wider, stronger, bushier and the root system larger as it has experienced 12-18 months growth. You can notice larger root systems with potted versions because the pot size increases with maturity. As a very general rule, each one cm girth measurement represents around 30cm growth but this doesn't apply to slow-growing trees.
Rootball means it will not come in a pot but will have the roots wrapped which you need to remove before planting and are available for delivery only between November and March.
Multistem means several stems starting very low to the ground. Comparing these with the same age Standard and Half Standard, these are typically shorter as growing several stems takes more effort than one stem.
Standard and Half Standard means lollipop shape. There is a more clear stem with a Standard.
Feathered means it has an obvious single stem with side branching for most of it.
Mature Styraciflua Sweet GumTree Liquidambar Styraciflua
Emanating in the eastern United States, the Sweet Gum tree Liquidambar Styraciflua is a handsome species grown for its attractive, glossy, maple-like leaves that can turn brilliant crimson, purple and orange in the autumn. As these trees are seed-grown there is a considerable and interesting variation in the intensity of the autumn colours but only if you have an interest in Autumnal colours. If you don't then they just might be "alright" or "they will do". The older stems have corky bark which can be a conversation starter for those dinner guests in the wine trade but maybe trigger a PTSD episode for bathroom renovators removing 1970's cork tiles.
Such is the attractiveness of the tree, it is often used in public parks and ornamental gardens, either that or at some point there was a big tree sale on and this was the best deal of the day.
This is an ideal gift for someone in your family named Liquidambar or Styraciflua or Tree.
A medium height tree, so expect a height of up to 6 metres (20 foot) after 10 years.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
Planting Liquidambar Styraciflua Sweet Gum
For best results plant in very well-draining soil or have exceptionally low expectations. It prefers a full sun position and an occasional thinning of the branches will be beneficial to the tree.
See What Our Previous Customers Are Saying About Our Sweet Gum trees
Many thanks to you and the nursery team. I found the tree *(Styraciflua Sweet GumTree Liquidambar Styraciflua) exactly where I requested, and it’s now planted and looks happy. Cheers Nial 0423
Dear dogsbody, As one of the oppressed race like yourself, I have been tasked with the job of replying to your e-mail. My partner, Patsy and I are delighted with the condition of the Sweet Gum tree, and I am sure he/she/it will grow up to be a credit to you and your nursery. We have given it a drink and will plant it tomorrow when the phases of the moon are in confluence with our house and the oblicuity of the ecliptic is correct. I have been tasked to mention that when Patsy spoke to one of your minions (or even your gooodself), she was told the tree was an evergreen, is this in fact correct? as there are no leaves present? Many thanks, Alan, a pleasure to do business with such a lively company. Editors note: Gum trees e.g. Eucalyptus are evergreen, however this tree is deciduous.
*added for transparency and clarity
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
