The Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar) is a total showstopper in the fall, thanks to those incredible, fiery colors. While autumn is usually the go-to season for planting most trees, the Sweetgum is a bit of a special case. If you want yours to establish strong roots and really thrive, timing is everything.
Location
When it comes to planting a Sweetgum, location is the name of the game. Under the right conditions, this tree can reach heights of up to 65 feet. To get there, it needs a spot with full sun. The more shade a Sweetgum gets, the more it’s going to struggle, resulting in stunted growth.
This is also why spring planting is usually the way to go—it gives the tree plenty of sunny days to get its root system settled into the soil compared to trees planted right before the winter chill sets in.
Planting Time
The ideal window for planting your Sweetgum is in the spring, once the ground has thawed. Aim for April, or whenever the threat of a hard freeze has passed, to get your Sweetgum in the ground. Before you plant, it’s a good idea to give it a quick prune. This helps shape the canopy and prevents the inner branches from becoming bare and “leggy.”
That’s another perk of spring planting: you really shouldn’t be pruning these trees in the fall. If you absolutely have to plant in the autumn, you’ll need to give the tree some extra TLC over the winter. Wrapping it in a burlap sack is usually enough to protect it from the elements.
One pro tip: avoid planting while the tree is actively pushing out new leaves or before it has dropped its old ones. Doing so can stress the tree out and keep it from rooting properly.
Soil
Sweetgums love soil that is rich in nutrients and drains well. They aren’t big fans of drought, which is something to keep in mind—especially if you’re trying your hand at a Sweetgum bonsai. You want the soil to stay consistently moist. This can be a bit of a balancing act since the tree needs that full-sun location, which naturally dries the ground out faster.
If your garden soil is on the sandy or dry side, try mixing in some water-retaining materials like clay granules or a bit of loam. On the flip side, if you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, you’ll need to make sure water isn’t pooling around the roots. In that case, mix in some sand or organic matter to loosen things up and improve drainage.
