6/3/14 EDITION OF "ASK THE ARBORIST"

Today we will get up close and personal with the Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua).  It's interesting that here in North America the spelling of Sweetgum is one word and in the UK the same tree is spelled Sweet Gum Tree;  when in doubt about a tree or plants true name always reference the scientific name.  According to information cited from "The University of Florida IFAS Extension service" Sweetgum usually reaches a maximum height around 75 feet and can have a crown spread of 50 feet.  Sweetgum Trees are generally found in low bottom moist areas.  Sweetgum Trees make their home comfortably within the USDA hardiness zones of 5 - 10 and for the most part will only be found in southwest Connecticut, that includes Newtown, CT.  Sweetgum Trees are easily identified by their star shaped leaves and spiked fruiting balls.  The fruiting balls of Sweetgum Trees remind me of photos of floating war mines used to deter enemy ships from entering a harbor.  During my Forestry school days I spent several weeks along the Mississippi river measuring Sweetgum trees in a genetic research project.  With the rich alluvial soils from the Mississippi river Sweetgum Trees can reach over 100 feet.  The fall colors of Sweetgum Trees bright red, purple, yellow or orange are truly a rival for the spectacular colors of our native Sugar Maple Trees.  Sweetgum has several common names Red-gum, Star-leaved-gum, Alligator wood (because of it's bark) and Gum-tree.  Sweetgum Trees are very important commercially as a hardwood tree.  For more information of proper identification of your trees please contact your local Yacko and Sons Tree Service staff Forester.  jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219.  And stay tuned for Wednesdays Edition of ASK THE ARBORIST when we examine Cedar Apple rust disease.