- Trim off shorter branches and twigs with loppers or pruning shears. Make all cuts approximately one-quarter inch above buds that face the outside of the sycamore tree.
- Remove large branches with a chainsaw or a pruning saw. ...
- Follow your sycamore's natural form when pruning for a more attractive appearance. Both American and California sycamore varieties grow in rounded, umbrella or oval form.
- Prune your sycamore for appearance in the late winter to early spring before new growth begins emerging.
- Inspect your sycamore trees periodically for pests and any diseased branches. Look for spider mite infestations and anthracnose disease, as sycamore trees are particularly susceptible to them.
- Trim your sycamore tree to reduce hazards to property and people. Cut off low-hanging branches that obstruct vision for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Full Answer
Do you have to prune sycamore trees?
When to Prune Sycamore Trees. It isn’t absolutely necessary to prune your sycamore, but there are some good reasons to do it. Pruning can help you shape the tree to look a certain way. As a city street tree, a heavy type of pruning called pollarding is used to keep sycamore trees smaller and with a dense canopy.
How do you shape a sycamore tree?
Follow the natural shape of the tree, which for a sycamore is generally a rounded umbrella shape. Cut larger branches close to the trunk to promote the formation of a healthy callus. Take regular steps back to view the tree from all angles and to ensure you are getting the shape you want.
Why does my sycamore tree have branches that wrap around it?
The sycamore tree has a tendency to grow into an odd shape as it matures, often with drooping branches and extreme angles. Sometimes the branches will wrap around the tree. Pruning is essential to manage the tree’s shape, and it will also promote new growth.
How do you prune a tree?
Dampness and rain can attract pests to your tree. Start your pruning session with a plan for approximately how much you want to remove and the overall shape you want to create. You can prune simply to thin a little and remove dead branches, or you can prune more extensively to shape the tree.
How do you prune sycamore trees?
When pruning sycamore trees for shaping, remove dead and diseased branches first and then begin to shape. Follow the natural shape of the tree, which for a sycamore is generally a rounded umbrella shape. Cut larger branches close to the trunk to promote the formation of a healthy callus.
Do sycamore trees need trimming?
Although sycamores typically need little maintenance, they do require regular pruning. Trimming your sycamore helps improve both the form and the health of the tree.
When can you top a sycamore tree?
These trees should be pruned in fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). If needed, a few small branches can be removed in summer after the leaves have reached full size.
Can you prune a sycamore tree in March?
This type of pruning can be done any time of the year. Major pruning and/or crown reduction should be done early February to mid April. Sycamore trees usually don't require heavy thinning. Most of the pruning is usually on the lower drooping branches.
How far should a sycamore tree be from a house?
You should always take professional advice if you are in any doubt as to whether a tree is structurally safe and also if it is likely to affect the structure of the property it stands near to....SpeciesNormal Mature Height (M)Safe Distance (M)Plane3022Plum1211Poplar2835Sycamore241723 more rows•Jul 27, 2015
How long does a sycamore tree live?
These trees can have a very long life span, with horticulturalists documenting some specimens living up to 400 years. Native Americans utilized the California sycamore for more than just shade and aesthetics.
Are sycamore trees a problem?
Sycamore Tree Roots Can Cause Problems Sycamores have a widespread, strongly branched root system. The roots can grow to have a radius of 30 feet and about 2 feet under the soil. These shallow and fast-growing root systems can cause damage to buildings, underground pipes, septic systems, and pavement.
How do you stop Sycamores from growing?
It is possible to buy a stump killer which will eventually penetrate to the roots. Use a drill with a large bit and drill holes all over the stump face. Put the stump killer in the holes and seal the holes with candle wax. Cover the stump up and wait.
What does a healthy sycamore tree look like?
It has an upright, pyramidal crown when young and as it matures develops a rounded, irregular form, with a scaffold of large diameter branches. The most unique feature of the sycamore tree is its camouflage-looking bark. The outer bark is unable to grow at the same rate as the trunk and limbs thus shedding its skin.
How tall do sycamores grow?
The sycamore is a large, broad-leaved deciduous tree that reaches 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall at maturity, the branches forming a broad, domed crown.
How far do sycamore tree roots spread?
American Sycamore Roots These types of roots extend down no more than 6 feet, but spread to all sides of the tree, extending well beyond the dripline. This is the case with the American sycamore tree. Most of its roots are within 6 feet of the soil surface, and the tree frequently forms large surface roots.
Are sycamore trees protected?
The sycamore tree is not located in a conservation area Any tree that provides a level of amenity can be protected. In terms of assessing amenity, the Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders (TEMPO) was used.
What is killing sycamore trees?
The most dangerous of the diseases of sycamore trees is anthracnose, also called leaf and twig blight. It can kill American sycamore, although it does only minor damage to other varieties. This disease can kill twig tips, expanding to buds, new shoots, and leaves.
Are sycamore trees protected?
The sycamore tree is not located in a conservation area Any tree that provides a level of amenity can be protected. In terms of assessing amenity, the Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders (TEMPO) was used.
How tall do sycamores grow?
The sycamore is a large, broad-leaved deciduous tree that reaches 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall at maturity, the branches forming a broad, domed crown.
Is it normal for a sycamore tree to shed its bark?
During some growing seasons, sycamore trees shed more bark than usual -- enough to litter lawns with sizable pieces. Some gardeners are concerned that the trees are dying. But losing bark is normal for sycamores as they age. The bark exfoliates on the upper trunk and large limbs.
How to keep a tree from growing weak?
2. Prune Dead And Weak Limbs. One of the ways to keep the new growth strong is to remove the dead and weak limbs. When you see that the limbs are not going to carry the weight of the leaves, and other branches, you should remove it. Not only is this unsafe, but a break could cause some serious stress to the tree.
How to keep bugs away from a tree?
Cover Pruning Wounds. Since a tree is a living thing, it will have wounds when you remove the branches. Cover the area with tar, or other substance to keep bugs away. It will also keep it from drying out, or "bleeding" nutrients from it.
Do you need to prune a sycamore tree each year?
Newly planted sycamore trees will require a little more maintenance during their first few years, but will need less as it grows. Pruning your sycamore is something that should always be done each year. Here are a few tips when pruning your tree. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. 1.
Is a sycamore tree hardy?
The sycamore tree is a very large, very hardy tree that is fast growing. This species of tree also has a large, expansive root system. When young, the sycamore has a beautiful looking pyramid shape to it. When it gets older, more mature, it has a rounded irregular shape with a thick scaffolding of branches. Sycamore trees are pretty carefree.
Do sycamore trees need regular watering?
When it gets older, more mature, it has a rounded irregular shape with a thick scaffolding of branches. Sycamore trees are pretty carefree. However, they do regular a routine of regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
Do sycamore trees grow irregularly?
Sycamore trees can grow with some very irregular shapes as it matures. The branches can droop, have drastic angles, and even wrap around the tree. Pruning will help you to not only manage the growth of the tree, but also keep its shape. When you prune your sycamore you are also keeping it energized for new growth.
How to treat a wound from pruning?
Treat any wounds from pruning by covering the area with tar to repel pests and prevent it from drying out.
How to keep a tree strong?
Remove diseased or weak branches as soon as you see them; broken limbs can cause severe trauma to the tree. Fast removal of dead branches will keep the tree strong and thriving.
Why do you wear goggles when pruning?
Wear goggles to protect your eyes when pruning.
What to look for when pruning a sycamore tree?
What to look for during sycamore tree pruning. The sycamore tree is prone to sooty bark (cryptostroma corticale). Where the weather has been continuously hot, sooty bark will cause partial or total crown wilting which can eventually be fatal. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that gets into the tree through the roots.
Why prune a sycamore tree?
Sometimes the branches will wrap around the tree. Pruning is essential to manage the tree’s shape, and it will also promote new growth.
How long does a sycamore tree live?
The domed canopy of the sycamore tree is particularly striking, and the tree will grow to heights of up to 35 metres and can live more than 400 years. You’ll find it along avenues and in gardens and parks, creating much called for shade. An Essex Tree Surgeon you can trust. Excellent & friendly service at superb rates.
Why do sycamore trees need pollarding?
Sycamore trees benefit from pollarding to keep them at an ideal height, particularly if they are growing along avenues and on public land . Pollarding also helps create a nicely rounded canopy, but this needs to start as a continuous process from the tree’s early days and then carry on every year for shape and size maintenance.
Why do tree surgeons remove leaves?
If they aren’t, then they will remove them, because they will become unsafe and could stress the tree as a result.
When is sycamore pollarding useful?
Sycamore pollarding or crown reduction is particularly useful when light is being blocked and there is the risk of neighbour disputes arising.
Where do sycamore trees grow?
Of the Latin Acer pseudoplatanus, the sycamore is a large broadleaf deciduous tree that is native to southern, eastern and central parts of Europe. It is thought to have come to the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages, and is now considered a naturalised species, highly prevalent across the country due to the ability of its winged seeds to spread and reseed with ease.
What is a sycamore tree?
The sycamore tree is an immense durable tree with a rapid growth rate and expansive root system. It has an upright, pyramidal crown when young and as it matures develops a rounded, irregular form, with a scaffold of large diameter branches. The most unique feature of the sycamore tree is its camouflage-looking bark.
How big do sycamore trees get?
It grows best in full sun. Size of Tree: Sycamore trees range in height from 75-90 feet.
How to tell if sycamore has anthracnose?
Often confused with frost damage, signs of sycamore anthracnose include brown areas on leaves and canker on the trunk and main branches. Powdery Mildew – Occurring in shady areas that have high humidity, powdery mildew looks like circular patches of grayish white material (spores) on twigs and leaves.
What is the insect that eats sycamore leaves?
Sycamore Lace Bug – The adult insect has a lacy pattern on its head, wings and chest. Both the adults and nymphs feed on the undersides of the sycamore’s leaves. They feed on the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Heavy infestations can reduce growth.
What is a Savatree certified arborist?
Your SavATree certified arborist is equipped with the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to keep your sycamore trees healthy, beautiful and safe. Contact us today for information on pruning or any of our other sycamore tree care services.
What is the most unique feature of a Sycamore tree?
The most unique feature of the sycamore tree is its camouflage-looking bark. The outer bark is unable to grow at the same rate as the trunk and limbs thus shedding its skin. The bark peels off in blotches revealing the white, tan and green inner bark .
Why is it important to prune trees?
Pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, vigor and life-span. Pruning can reduce specific defects or structural problems in a tree to greatly lessen the risk of failure. Broken, diseased, or dead branches are typically removed in order to prevent decay-producing fungi from infecting the wood in other areas of the tree.
How tall do sycamore trees grow?
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) trees can grow to towering heights of 75 to 90 feet. They can also grow up to 70 feet wide, which makes pruning necessary in small gardens that can't support trees that size. Thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4b to 9a, sycamores typically don't require much trimming for growth, though you might need to prune to strengthen their form. Trimming can also increase air circulation, helping to ward off diseases such as anthracnose that attack sycamores and other trees. Considering the safest time to prune these giants is vital in keeping sycamore trees healthy during and after trims.
Can you trim a sycamore in dry weather?
It's wise to wait until you experience a period of dry weather to prune sycamores. This is because wet weather can attract pests to pruning wounds, and disease spores are more likely to stick on pruning tools in damp weather than in dry. Once you have experienced a few days of dry weather and expect several more, you can safely prune your sycamore, as long as the seasonal timing is appropriate for extensive aesthetic trims.
