Tree Removal: Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Yesterday, we removed the arboretum's only remaining sweetgum. This is unfortunate, but necessary, as the tree was doomed by two unfortunate circumstances. Back in 2021, we resolved to remove this tree and its day has come.

The base of the sweetgum trunk is pictured on the left side of the photograph. This photo exhibits the extreme lean of the trunk. As the tree ages and the trunk grows larger, the chance of breakage and a dangerous incident only becomes greater.

This photo shows where, several years ago, bark had been peeled off by desperate squirrels. This damage would one day leave the tree vulnerable to disease and weather. Along with its lean, this means the tree will never be a safe, healthy adult specimen.

First we cut out the upper branches.

Even a small tree like this creates a large pile of branches.

Now all that remains is a two-foot stump which will be removed at a later date.

Although we do not have an official sweetgum in the arboretum catalogue, volunteers can be seen on the grounds of the arboretum. Interestingly, there are at minimum two young sweetgums growing in proximity to the remaining stump. So, we will see how these little trees grow this spring and summer, and perhaps one will be a suitable addition to the catalogue. Also, the arboretum curator germinated sweetgum seeds collected from Maydelle, Texas; these individuals are expected to enter the catalogue next year, after they grow a little taller.