
Coarse sand is the best option. Peat moss and leaf mold also have great nutrients for a sycamore seed. Make sure you don’t use too much or it will choke out the seed.
How to take care of a sycamore tree?
1 About Sycamore Trees. The sycamore tree is an immense durable tree with a rapid growth rate and expansive root system. ... 2 Sycamore Tree Care. Keep your sycamore tree as healthy as possible through regular pruning, fertilizing and watering. ... 3 Pruning Sycamore Tree Leaves & Branches. ... 4 Prevent Sycamore Tree Diseases & Pests. ...
What is eating my sycamore tree 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.
What is the best fertilizer for sycamore trees?
Newly planted sycamore trees benefit from ArborKelp®, SavATree’s exclusive seaweed biostimulant which aids in tree establishment, promotes root growth and heightens stress tolerance. Mature and established trees benefit from fertilizer feedings of organic-based macro and micronutrients for the nutrition necessary to sustain their health.
What kind of soil do sycamore trees like?
Sycamore trees grow in almost any soil, but they prefer deep, rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Plant container-grown trees any time of year. Trees with balled and burlapped roots should be planted in spring or fall.

What is the best fertilizer for sycamore trees?
Sycamores naturally prefer moister soil, but they can adapt to drier conditions. Fertilize the sycamore every other year if it does not seem to be growing fast or if its leaves are pale. A general purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer is appropriate and may not be necessary if the soil is sufficiently rich.
Should I fertilize my sycamore tree?
Sycamore isn't a heavy feeder. Fertilize it with a complete fertilizer in early spring for an extra boost. Follow instructions on the package closely, as they'll detail how much fertilizer to use based on tree size. Failure to follow instructions can result in over-fertilizing and possibly burning your plant.
How do you keep a sycamore tree healthy?
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.
How do you treat a sick sycamore tree?
How to Treat Sycamore AnthracnosePrune off infected, dead branches.Spray a fungicide to prevent the leaves from becoming infected.Plant trees that are resistant to the disease.
Why does my sycamore tree have yellow leaves?
Sycamore trees suffering from a lack of iron in the soil may develop chlorosis, a condition in which the tree's leaves turn sickly shades of yellow while the leaf veins remain green. Iron chlorosis generally occurs in soil with a pH higher than 7.0 to 7.5.
Why is my sycamore tree losing its bark?
"This tree has a unique cortex that as the outer bark is shed then this tree can photosynthesize even with no leaves on the tree." Perhaps shedding bark is not just coincidental but necessary for the increased photosynthesis along the trunk and branches, generating an increased growing season that contributes to rapid ...
Do sycamore trees need a lot of water?
Water young trees deeply to keep the soil from drying out. After the first couple years, the tree withstands moderate drought. It's best to give the soil a deep soaking when you've gone a month or so without a drenching rain.
What is the best time to prune a sycamore tree?
Sycamore trees usually don't require heavy thinning. Most of the pruning is usually on the lower drooping branches. You can trim a Sycamore anytime of year but now, while the tree is dormant, is the best time to trim to avoid disease or infestation. The tree has some time to heal before the bugs wake up and get crazy!
How often should a sycamore tree be trimmed?
every three to five yearsLow branches should also be removed, if desired, when the tree is young. This is best done by removing one or two branches a year, over a period of a few years, until the needed clearance is obtained. As the tree gets older, pruning every three to five years will keep the tree in good shape.
What does a sick sycamore tree look like?
You may see black or brown lesions appear on the surface of the leaves, some of the branches may become twisted or deformed, or you may notice your tree shedding leaves during the early summer. In some cases, you may see portions of the canopy defoliate completely.
How do you know when a sycamore tree is dying?
Several hints signal a tree is dying: It consistently loses branches; cracks, seams and wounds appear in its trunk; entire sides of it have lost leaves and stopped producing new ones; it suddenly begins producing shoots from its base, which is a desperate stress response.
What's the average lifespan of a sycamore tree?
Interesting Information About Plant: The sycamore tree is the largest deciduous trees in the Eastern United States. It grows to 30 meters tall and lives nearly 600 years.
How often should sycamore trees be trimmed?
every three to five yearsThis is best done by removing one or two branches a year, over a period of a few years, until the needed clearance is obtained. As the tree gets older, pruning every three to five years will keep the tree in good shape. As the tree gets larger, professional help may be required.
When should you prune a sycamore tree?
The best time of year for sycamore tree pruning, if you're game to try it, is while the tree is dormant. Late autumn through winter is a good time to tackle a pruning job, but be sure to wait for a few days in which you know the weather will be dry. Dampness and rain can attract pests to your tree.
When should you cut back a sycamore tree?
Sycamore trees usually don't require heavy thinning. Most of the pruning is usually on the lower drooping branches. You can trim a Sycamore anytime of year but now, while the tree is dormant, is the best time to trim to avoid disease or infestation. The tree has some time to heal before the bugs wake up and get crazy!
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.
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 .
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.
How big do sycamore trees get?
It grows best in full sun. Size of Tree: Sycamore trees range in height from 75-90 feet.
Can sycamore trees die?
Other sycamore tree diseases and pests include: 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.
When should I prune a sycamore tree?
Sycamore or Planetree. 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.
How often should I remove a tree branch?
Low branches should also be removed, if desired, when the tree is young. This is best done by removing one or two branches a year, over a period of a few years, until the needed clearance is obtained.
How often should I water a sycamore tree?
Sycamore trees have a high susceptibility to drought, and can fall victim to insect pests when not watered regularly. In hot weather, water at the roots twice a week. Watch for signs the soil is drying out and water more often as needed.
How far away should I plant a sycamore tree?
The main roots of sycamores reach down about 30 inches into the soil. Plant a sycamore more than 12 feet away from other trees in your yard or on your street boulevard. If you take cuttings to grow more sycamore trees on your property, plant them far from each other, as the roots will compete for water and nutrition.
How fast do sycamore trees grow?
Sycamores grow rapidly and produce leaves profusely, making them a superb shade tree. Sycamores are fast growing and can grow up to 2 feet a year.
What diseases can sycamore trees get?
You’ll find that there are quite a few diseases of 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.
How do you know if a sycamore tree has a fungus?
The symptom you see most frequently is crinkling and browning of the leaves. This sycamore tree disease is most likely to strike when the weather is cool and wet. Spores from the fungus can be spread by rain and wind. If you give your trees sufficient water and fertilizer, you are unlikely to see this sycamore tree disease.
What is the name of the tree with the white, tan, and green bark?
Tall, fast growing, and durable, the sycamore tree —with its large, maple-like leaves—is an elegant addition to your backyard landscape. Its most recognizable feature is its bark that peels away as the trunk expands, revealing the white, tan, and green inner bark.
What causes leaf scorch on a tree?
It can be treated with fungicides. Bacterial leaf scorch can also be a problem. It is caused by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial pathogen that kills off entire branches of the tree. Pruning infected branches can slow its spread. Printer Friendly Version.
Can sycamore lace bugs be killed?
While the sycamore lace bug’s damage is rarely serious, a heavy infestation can slow the tree’s growth. Keep an eye on your tree leaves and wash off bugs with the hose. Insecticides are also available.
Can sycamore trees be pests?
Avoiding Problems with Sycamore Trees. Sycamore trees are vulnerable to diseases and insect pests, just like almost every variety of tree you can plant. Experts advise that you keep your tree healthy, with good cultural practices, as a first line of defense against problems with sycamore trees. Generally, the healthier and more vital the tree, ...
How to collect sycamore seeds?
Collecting Sycamore Seed for Planting. Picking fruit heads by hand from the tree is the most common method of collection. At the northern and western limits of the range of sycamore, intact heads can sometimes be found and collected off the ground late in the season.
How long can sycamore seeds be stored?
Seeds of all sycamore species do just fine in similar storage conditions and can be easily stored for long periods under cold, dry conditions. Tests with sycamore seed have shown that at moisture contents of from 5 to 10% and stored at temperatures of 32 to 45 °F, they are suitable for storage for up to 5 years.
How to extract seeds from fruit heads?
Seeds from each head should be extracted by crushing the dried fruit heads and removing the du st and fine hairs that are attached to the individual achenes. You can easily do small batches by hand-rubbing through hardware cloth (2 to 4 wires/cm).
When do sycamore trees mature?
The American sycamore tree flowers in spring and completes seed maturity in the fall. Ending the maturation process as early as the first of September and continuing through November, the sycamore seeds ripen and are ready for collection and preparation for planting.
How to store dried seeds?
To maintain low seed moisture under moist storage conditions, the dried seeds must be stored in moisture-proof containers, such as polyethylene bags. The rate of germination can be easily tested on wet paper or sand or even in shallow dishes of water at a temperature of around 80 F over 14 days.
How To Kill A Sycamore Tree In 3 Easy Steps
Now, let’s see how you can kill a sycamore tree in 3 steps. You need one external method to expose the transport vessels and one internal method to administer a chemical. The last step is to remove the stump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: The sycamore is a hardwood giant that can live for up to 600 years or more. During this lifetime, it reaches a maximum height of 30 meters.
Wrapping Up
And that’s a wrap on how to kill a sycamore tree. All you need to do is follow the 3 simple steps we’ve provided. We hope these tips help you get your sycamore tree under control.
