Sweetgum Info Wanted

[Ja_De]

Hello all.
Came upon this sweetgum tree walking through the neighborhood.
3.5 Heigh, Triple trunk, main trunk about 2.5 inch diameter. It's growing at the base of a mature maple and I wonder what the roots will be like.
I've read late spring early summer is the best time to collect/ transplant. Any info/input is welcome and appreciated.

 

[coachspinks]

Hello all.
Came upon this sweetgum tree walking through the neighborhood.
3.5 Heigh, Triple trunk, main trunk about 2.5 inch diameter. It's growing at the base of a mature maple and I wonder what the roots will be like.
I've read late spring early summer is the best time to collect/ transplant. Any info/input is welcome and appreciated.

I would make sure you collect before the buds open but any time during dormancy can work. If you wait until later in the winter, your chances should improve. Just be sure to protect the roots from freezing once you do collect. Sweetgums have beautiful fall color but are prone to dropping branches for seemingly no reason. They also have long internodes. Here in Georgia, they are considered a nuisance. They seem to always be dropping something - limbs, seed pods that are little balls with spikes, etc. I would not mind adding one to my collection but it would need to be a bigger tree.
Considering this tree is free, go for it and learn.

I had a huge one cut down last year. The trunk was close to 2' in diameter. Several feet up the trunk was completely hollow. That is typical for older sweet gums. I cut the trunk up into several pieces and use them as natural planters.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Very pretty mid-sized trees. A little on the messy side in landscape, but I like them. They are a little challenging to work with for bonsai because they have alternate leaf growth with relatively long internodes (unlike a maple, for example, with opposite leaf growth). It is difficult to develop tight ramification.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I dont think this will be an easily collectible tree beimg so close to the other larger tree. Sweetgum seem to be finnicky during collection and often have a long tap root that seems necessary for survival of the collection. If it were in a less cramped spot Id say go for it but It wouldnt be my choice. Look for an easier collection or smaller saplings. These grow really fast!.

 

[Ja_De]

I dont think this will be an easily collectible tree beimg so close to the other larger tree. Sweetgum seem to be finnicky during collection and often have a long tap root that seems necessary for survival of the collection. If it were in a less cramped spot Id say go for it but It wouldnt be my choice. Look for an easier collection or smaller saplings. These grow really fast!.

Thanks for the response. I figured that the sapling in such close proximity to the larger tree would present a challenge. I appreciate the input.

 

[Ja_De]

Very pretty mid-sized trees. A little on the messy side in landscape, but I like them. They are a little challenging to work with for bonsai because they have alternate leaf growth with relatively long internodes (unlike a maple, for example, with opposite leaf growth). It is difficult to develop tight ramification.

Thanks for the response. This will be my first attempt working with a deciduous tree, if I am given permission and able to collect the tree. Appreciate it.

 

[Ja_De]

I would make sure you collect before the buds open but any time during dormancy can work. If you wait until later in the winter, your chances should improve. Just be sure to protect the roots from freezing once you do collect. Sweetgums have beautiful fall color but are prone to dropping branches for seemingly no reason. They also have long internodes. Here in Georgia, they are considered a nuisance. They seem to always be dropping something - limbs, seed pods that are little balls with spikes, etc. I would not mind adding one to my collection but it would need to be a bigger tree.
Considering this tree is free, go for it and learn.

I had a huge one cut down last year. The trunk was close to 2' in diameter. Several feet up the trunk was completely hollow. That is typical for older sweet gums. I cut the trunk up into several pieces and use them as natural planters.

Grateful for your reply. The tree's do display brilliant fall color.