Sycamore Tree Varieties & Care

Caring for Your 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. 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. It has large 4” – 10” wide thick green leaves resembling those of maples and fruit is round, fuzzy and brown.

Sycamore tree

Where Do Sycamore Trees Grow Best?

Sycamore Trees are highly adaptable to most soil types and can live for hundreds of years. Sycamore Trees grow best in full sun

How Large Do Sycamore Trees Grow?

Sycamore trees can grow from 75-90 feet tall

Sycamore Tree Care

Keep your sycamore tree as healthy as possible through regular pruning, fertilizing and watering.

Newly planted sycamore trees benefit from ArborKelp®, SavATree’s exclusive seaweed biostimulant which aids in tree establishment, promotes root growth and heightens stress tolerance.

Sycamore fruit

Mature and established trees benefit from fertilizer feedings of organic-based macro and micronutrients for the nutrition necessary to sustain their health.

Pruning Sycamore Tree Leaves & Branches

Sycamore trees should be pruned regularly to promote a center leader, remove deadwood and maintain a strong structure.

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.

SavATree Consultant

Removal of live branches is occasionally necessary to allow increased exposure to sunlight and circulation of air within the canopy. This assists in reduction of certain diseases. We also advocate the removal of branch stubs to promote successful and proper healing over of wounds.

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.

Prevent Sycamore Tree Diseases & Pests

There are several damaging diseases and pests that affect sycamore trees. Some of the most common are:

Sycamore Anthracnose – This sycamore disease results in extensive defoliation, shoot dieback, and twig death. 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. The disease can cause leaves to drop and can stunt growth.
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.

Diseased sycamore tree leaves

Other sycamore tree diseases and pests include:

Root rots
Canker
Wood rots
Mistletoe

Many of these insect and disease conditions can weaken the tree and lead to tree death if not treated. If you suspect a problem with your trees, call a SavATree certified arborist right away for an evaluation and treatment options. Our sycamore tree care experts can help protect your trees and keep your landscape beautiful.

Photos by Photo by Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service Richard Webb
Diseased photo: Sycamore Leaf Beetle 1204089 by Lacy-L.-Hyche, Auburn-University,-Bugwood.org