Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 3.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Broadleaf tree
Sweetgum: when and how to prune
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum is best pruned in November–March.
| Pruning months | November–March |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | April–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Little |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Sweetgum: when to prune it?
Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. If pruning is needed, do it during winter dormancy (November–March).
Prune while dormant, from November to March, but not in freezing weather.
What else to prune in those months? January · February · March · November · December
Sweetgum: how to prune it?
- Needs little pruning; keep a single leader.
- On a young tree, remove competing leaders and crossing branches.
- Raise the crown of an avenue tree gradually by removing a few of the lowest branches at a time.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: November–March.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Cut large branches in three steps, just outside the branch collar, and don’t prune in hard frost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from sycamore · Difference from London plane · Difference from red maple
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.