The Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar) naturally grows tall and relatively narrow, making it a fantastic candidate for shaping. With a little bit of pruning know-how, you can train this beauty into a stunning “standard” (a tree with a clear trunk and a high canopy), whether it’s growing in your backyard or as a miniature bonsai on your patio.
Why Go for a High-Standard Look?
One of the best reasons to train your Sweetgum into a high-standard tree is the visual payoff in the fall. When those leaves change, the tree looks like a glowing torch! In most varieties, the autumn colors are so intense it looks like the tree is literally on fire. Some cultivars already have a naturally slender, upright habit, which means you’ll have to put in very little effort when it comes to pruning.
Another big plus of the high-standard shape is that it saves a ton of horizontal space. Normally, these trees need about 15 feet of clearance at the base. When trained as a standard, the trunk itself can reach up to six or seven feet before the canopy even begins. Since these trees grow about 20 inches a year, they fill out pretty quickly!
Just a heads-up: the one downside to this tall, slender shape is that the tree becomes much more sensitive to wind. Strong storms can cause some real damage, so make sure you plant your Sweetgum in a spot that’s protected from heavy gusts.
A Pro at Handling Pruning
The reason Sweetgums are so great for this specific look is that they handle pruning like a champ. While they don’t *strictly* need to be trimmed, if yours has grown a bit too large for its britches, you can give it a pretty heavy cut without worrying. Just keep the “golden rule” of aesthetics in mind: for a balanced look, the canopy should be at least twice as tall as the trunk. Anything less and the proportions will look a bit funky.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Beyond finding a wind-protected area, your Sweetgum has a few other preferences for its home. First and foremost: it needs full sun. While it *can* survive in shadier spots, it won’t thrive and will likely look a bit scraggly. Plus, you’ll miss out on that famous fall show—without direct sunlight hitting the leaves, the colors just won’t pop. Generally, a high-standard Sweetgum looks its best when planted as a focal point in an open, sunny area where it has plenty of room to shine.
