Meantime on land that you have control over, plant what you like, rip out what you don't Such a narrow view. There are choices that some people make on their own land that affect others. That is what invasives are all about. Similar to pollution - people that create it (on their own property) eventually share it with others. Was it right that they did what they wanted on their own land? What about if you dump pollution in a stream on your own land but it flows downstream to others? Just like streams, private properties are not isolated, they connect together. To me, and others, invasive plants affect all of us at some point. And yes, bad diseases and pests have been brought in on imported plants by people that thought they could do what they wanted. And now Elms, Chestnuts and Hemlocks are dead and dying. True, it was an accident, no one did this this on purpose; but this is one of the risks that come with "doing what you want". And it affected LOTS of people and even wildlife. I don't know if that was the source of the dogwood issues, btw. I'd like to encourage everyone to think beyond yourself and consider that your actions can have impacts on other people and the environment. When you're considering new plants, research them and find out what they're about. Make an informed decision.

Looks like a Saucer Magnolia.

I Googled sycamore and came up with Platanus racemosa California Sycamore. I am in California so think this is it. It does not get red in the fall, rather gold/yellow leaves. The American sycamore is said to turn red. I also have not noticed the balls, maybe it's too young or stressed. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/difference-between-california-sycamore-american-sycamore-71047.html

I have a small group of black locusts at the corner of my property. There's a massive black locust tree in that area that's certainly older than any nearby structure. When that tree lost a significant branch four years ago, hundreds of sprouts popped up nearby. That's what black locusts do; they send out suckers from the roots when the tree is damaged. I chose the best four, staked them, and mowed the rest. The biggest of the bunch is 20' tall at this point and in excellent shape. I pruned it to a single leader that's now approximately 3" in diameter. Locusts often have issues with developing multiple trunks from the base, so that's also something to keep in mind if you're growing them. These trees are a great, fast-growing source for high-quality firewood, but it does take an extra season to cure. They're also excellent nitrogen-fixers. Having said that, I wouldn't recommend planting them anywhere other than wide open spaces given their spreading habit.