Mature Height/Spread: Sycamore is a massive tree that grows 70 to 100 feet tall with a similar spread. It has a pyramidal form in youth but develops a spreading, rounded and irregular crown with age.

Growth Rate: This tree grows at a moderate to rapid rate, and has a moderate to long life span.

Ornamental Features: Sycamores are valued for their massive size and are often used as shade trees. The cream- to olive-colored exfoliating bark is handsome in all seasons, but it is exceptional in winter when contrasted with the dark bark of other trees in a woodland setting. The leaf size varies, even on the same tree, and the fall color is yellow-brown. The 1-inch fruit hang from the tree on long stalks through most of the winter.

Landscape Use: Sycamores are too big for most home properties. They are primarily used for parks, large-scale landscapes or naturalized plantings along streams. They have been used extensively as street trees, and although they withstand difficult city conditions, they can create problems that require high maintenance. Leaf and twig litter, disease and aggressive roots must be considered when choosing this tree for high-traffic (pedestrian and vehicular) areas.

This tree prefers deep, moist, rich soils, but will grow in places undesirable to plant growth, such as areas with low soil oxygen and high pH. It prefers full sun or light shade.

Prune drooping branches on trees located near vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Eliminate the occasional double leader to promote a single trunk. Pruning healthy wood should be done in winter. Remove dead and broken wood when detected (any time of year) to reduce incidence of disease.

Problems: The most serious disease is anthracnose. Other diseases include canker, bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew and leaf spot. Insects that cause problems are aphids, sycamore lace bug, scales and borers. For more information on problems with sycamore.

Aggressive roots can raise sidewalks if planted too close. Plant at least 6 feet from the sidewalk or curb. Roots and dense shade created by the canopy of this tree prevent healthy growth of lawn grasses beneath it.

Keep this tree away from well-tended lawns, pavement and buildings. Sycamores create litter with their leaves, fruit and twigs. This is not such a problem when sited along streambanks or out-of-the-way places, but maintenance becomes an issue if located in turf areas or near pedestrian or vehicular traffic.