I have a young sweet gum tree planted in a small front yard. I know these trees can grow to be very large. I would like to keep this tree smaller in height and width...no more than 30 feet high and no more than 15 to 20 feet in witdth. Is is possible to keep these trees pruned to this smaller proportion? Also, I have a sprinkler system in this small yard. Will the roots from this tree interfere with the sprinkler plumbing?
2007-03-28 09:14:25 · 4 answers · asked by texasgirl 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
NO, STOP, DON'T DO IT! Sweetgum is one of the worst trees you could possibly plant! It has been the bane of many a rake bearer, as well as every child who ever went barefooted. If I tell you the roots will interfere with your sprinkler system, will you dig it up?
I realize it's already planted, but I BEG of you to replace it before it gets any larger. A sweetgum will grow to 70' of height, with a spread of 45'. In a small front yard you'll be much happier with a small/medium tree. Without the assistance of an arborist I really don't see much hope for maintenance of a beautiful tree of the size you desire....
Here are some alternate choices for you...
Amur Maple (Acer Ginnala) grows to 20 feet, the Trident Maple (Acer buergeranum) has a better growth rate, and grows to 30 feet tall, and then the Golden Raintree which grows to 20'. (http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06800.htm)
Want more choices? See:
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/advancedsearch.cfm
Whatever you decide, Happy Yardening!
2007-03-28 09:43:07 · answer #1 · answered by bec_ker6 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You'll need to find an arborist who is ISA or NAA certified and discuss long term pruning stratagies with him/her. You are dwarfing the tree which is possible if the aborist is trained in this procedure. Joe Pickup Truck tree trimmer isn't.
As for the sprinkler system, they are made from plastic so the roots shouldn't be a concern. But since this tree is in limited space, the roots will become confined and that will create problems down the line. Remember, tree roots grow out, not down. And as they age they get bigger, eventually surfacing.
Seriously, contact a certified arborist within the next few years and start a relationship with him re: this tree. It will be a long term committment on both of your parts.
Personally, I would have planted a smaller tree for the given space.
2007-03-28 09:23:53 · answer #2 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bec_ker6 is right on a sweet gum[liquid amber] is not the right place for this tree.it is an upright growing tree and will shoot for the sky.you will have a hard time keeping it in check,because this is not its nature.it does have nice colors in the fall,but not for a confined area.bec_ker6 has some great trees that will grow there.take her advice !!!!
2007-03-28 10:38:37 · answer #3 · answered by Steve C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DON"T it's an ankle breaker while trying to mow or or rake around it
2007-03-28 11:25:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋