Great Design Plant: Sweet Gum
Colorful autumn foliage, even in mild climates, isjust one reason to plant the tree. Native to Eastern and Southeastern forests,liquidambar has made itself at home in the West as one of the most popularstreet trees. Many of the most planted varieties have originated in California– such as ‘Palo Alto’, known for its bright red or orange-red fall color.
Distinguishing traits: Reliable large-scale deciduous tree looks good all year, hits its peak with fall color display – a collage of mixed yellows, oranges, reds -- closer to Christmas than Thanksgiving. Big lobed leaves look like maple leaves. How to use it: Its tall and upright form will fit into a garden’s background. Mature specimens, pruned to spread (see below), make nice shade trees. Will grow in lawn but surface roots can create annoying bumps. Plant several together form a grove or in rows for a screen. Before you plant it: Easy to grow, but you’ll need to prune a tree early in life to develop strong upright shape: pinch back side branches. Remove lower branches if you want more of a round top. Don’t plant close to pavement; roots can lift it up. Be prepared to rake up spiny balls of seeds through much of the year.
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