Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)
A deciduous tree that reaches a mature height of up to 60 feet or more with a canopy spread as wide as 50 feet. They can develop a trunk diameter up to 36 inches or more and need ample room to accommodate their wide spreading root system. They are prone to decay and have a tendency to drop limbs at the onset of summer. In warm climates they should be pruned during the spring to reduce the potential for branch failure. Root pruning is tolerated, however extensive and/or routine root pruning is soon followed by decay at the root base that renders the tree unstable. Because of their propensity for decay, older specimens make poor candidates for relocation. Larger specimens should be pruned every 3 years to control canopy size.
© Walter Warriner Consulting Arborist
