Liquidambar Trees (Sweet Gum Tree)

The Liquidambar tree, commonly called sweet gum, is a large, deciduous tree known for its star-shaped leaves and spiky, gumball-like fruits. It features a straight trunk and a pyramidal canopy, which turns into stunning shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall, making it a popular ornamental tree.

Liquidambar Tree: Autumn's Breathtaking Spectacle

Liquidambar tree has a stunning appearance and the ability to transform any garden into a spectacular space. Its vibrant star-shaped leaves in fiery reds, rich oranges, and deep purples, create breathtaking autumn scenery. Liquidambar garden design is perfect for huge gardens and expansive landscapes where this tree would be fully appreciated.

Liquidambar tree UK

Liquidambars or Sweet Gum Trees are large, deciduous trees with smooth, grey bark, beautiful maple-like leaves, spectacular in autumn, and rounded gumballs that stay on branches during the winter. They are very resilient and tolerant to drought, heat, salt, and urban pollution. They are successfully grown in the UK climate. Here are some liquidambar trees UK varieties to consider:

Liquidambar Tree for Sale UK – Arundel Arboretum

If you would like to have this stunning tree in your garden and are looking for liquidambar trees for sale, Arundel Arboretum in Chichester is the right place for you to go. Our experts will guide you through our excellent selection of liquidambar trees and help you find the perfect match for your garden.

If you are looking to buy liquidambar trees online, explore our web store and our carefully curated liquidambar trees for sale. Find what you need and the rest is on us. Buying liquidambar trees has never been easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is liquidambar native to UK?
    Liquidambar is not native to the UK, but to North America. It was introduced to the UK in the 17th century.
  • What is the English name for the liquidambar tree?
    Liquidambar is commonly known as a “sweet gum” or “star gum” tree.
  • Why is it called a sweet gum tree?
    The liquidambar tree is called the sweetgum tree because it produces a resinous gum with a sweet fragrance.
  • Is liquidambar a maple?
    Liquidambar is not a maple neither is related to maple. Liquidambar belongs to the family Altingiaceae while maple belongs to the family Sapindaceae.
  • What is the best soil for liquidambar?
    Liquidambar thrives in deep, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It grows poorly in shallow and very dry soils. Iron chlorosis may occur in alkaline soils.
  • Is liquidambar fast growing?
    Liquidambar trees are considered to be moderately fast-growing. While growth rates can vary depending on various factors, they typically grow about 45 to 60 cm per year.
  • How long do sweet gum trees live?
    Sweet gum trees are known for their longevity. Their average lifespan is around 150 years.
  • What are the balls on a sweet gum tree?
    The balls are liquidambar’s seed pods. They are spherical, hard, dry, and spiky.
  • When do sweet gum trees drop their balls?
    Liquidambar trees drop their balls from mid-autumn to early spring.
  • Is there a dwarf liquidambar tree UK?
    Yes, there are dwarf cultivars of liquidambar in the UK cultivated to fit smaller gardens. A very popular small liquidambar tree is Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball.'
  • What is the maximum height of a liquidambar?
    Liquidambar typically grows to a height of 20 to 25 meters, but can sometimes reach more than 30 metres.
  • Where is the best place to plant a liquidambar?
    Liquidambar trees thrive in full sun and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can grow very big so it’s important to plant them in a location where they have enough room to grow. It should be planted 4-5 m away from homes, driveways, and sewer lines because the roots can be invasive.
  • Is liquidambar tree UK cold-hardy?
    Liquidambar is moderately cold-hardy. It is resistant to temperatures around -15°C, but young plants need some protection. It is well adapted to UK winters.
  • What is the root depth of the liquidambar?
    Liquidambar tree has a deep and extensive root system. It also has horizontally spreading lateral roots.
  • Is liquidambar toxic?
    Liquidambar is not toxic to humans or pets.
  • What are the cons of the liquidambar tree?
    Cleaning spikey seed pods which can cause injuries if you step on them may become annoying. Also, liquidambar’s roots tend to be invasive and can damage the infrastructure in urban environments.
  • Is liquidambar suitable for urban environments?
    When planted in adequate locations, liquidambars are suitable for urban areas. They can tolerate air pollution and can adapt to a range of soil conditions. Its large size and somewhat invasive roots can cause problems to infrastructure if planted near buildings and sidewalks.
  • Is there a liquidambar tree for sale near me?
    Looking for a liquidambar tree nearby? Your search ends here! Visit our Arundel Arboretum nursery in Chichester, South of England, to discover top-quality liquidambar plants on our liquidambar tree farm. Or, explore our online store and find your ideal plant there. We’ll take care of the rest. If you have any questions about liquidambar tree sale UK or if there's anything else we can assist you with, do not hesitate to contact us.
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