The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is one of the largest deciduous trees in North America, sought after for its distinctive exfoliating bark and impressive canopy that provides dense shade. The mottled bark peels away in irregular plates, revealing patches of white, tan, and olive green, giving it a unique appearance. Because of its rapid growth rate and potential for immense size, selecting and purchasing a healthy specimen is the first step toward establishing a long-lived shade tree. This guide walks through the considerations for where and how to acquire a sycamore tree.
Finding Local and Online Tree Sources
Local independent nurseries are the best starting point for finding high-quality sycamore stock and receiving specialized regional advice. These businesses source trees from reputable growers and their staff are knowledgeable about which cultivars perform best in the local climate and soil conditions. While prices may be higher than other venues, the investment pays off through superior tree health and expert guidance on planting and initial care.
Garden centers and large home improvement stores offer convenience and lower prices, making them an accessible option. However, the quality of the stock can be variable, and the trees may have received less attentive care, sometimes suffering from improper watering or root damage. Buyers must be vigilant in inspecting the tree’s health before finalizing the transaction.
Specialized online tree retailers provide the widest selection of sycamore varieties, including less common hybrids or cultivars tailored for specific characteristics. These companies ship trees directly to the consumer, allowing access to stock not available locally. When ordering online, ensure the retailer has robust packaging and shipping protocols designed to minimize damage and maintain root moisture during transit.
Choosing the Right Tree Form
Sycamores are sold in several common forms, and the choice impacts the tree’s price, transplant success, and handling requirements.
Bare Root
Bare root trees are the most economical option, sold during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) with no soil surrounding the roots. These young trees are lightweight and easy to transport, but they require immediate planting and have a shorter window for successful establishment.
Containerized
Containerized trees are grown in plastic pots and are available year-round, offering flexibility in planting time. This form is convenient and mid-range in cost, but buyers must inspect the roots carefully. Prolonged container growth can lead to circling or girdling roots that hinder long-term growth. The root ball should show fine, white root tips, indicating active growth and health.
Balled and Burlap (B&B)
The Balled and Burlap (B&B) form represents larger, more mature trees dug from a field with a substantial ball of soil wrapped in burlap. B&B trees provide instant impact but are the heaviest and most expensive option, requiring specialized equipment for transport and planting. Care must be taken not to break the integrity of the soil ball, which provides a good environment for root survival during the transplant.
Evaluating Tree Health Before Purchase
Regardless of the tree form chosen, a thorough inspection of the sycamore before purchase is necessary to ensure a healthy start. The trunk should be smooth, free of deep cuts, sunscald, or excessive mechanical damage that could allow pathogens to enter the vascular system. Look for a strong, straight central leader and well-spaced branches that are free of cankers or unusual swellings.
Examine the leaves for discoloration, spots, or signs of insect activity, which could indicate the presence of disease or pests. Specific attention should be paid to the root collar, the area where the trunk meets the roots. This root flare should be visible at the surface of the soil, especially in containerized or B&B stock, as burying the flare too deeply can predispose the tree to root rot and eventual decline.
If purchasing a containerized tree, gently check the root system by sliding the tree slightly out of the pot. Roots should not be excessively matted or circling tightly around the inside wall of the container, which indicates the tree has been root-bound for too long. A healthy root system is foundational, and correcting significant root issues after planting is often difficult.
Immediate Post-Purchase Handling
The moments immediately following the purchase are important for maintaining the tree’s health until planting. Secure the sycamore carefully during transportation, ensuring that the trunk and branches are supported and that the root ball or container is stable. Windburn on the leaves or roots can occur rapidly during highway speeds, so covering the canopy is advisable.
If planting cannot occur immediately, the tree requires proper temporary storage to prevent desiccation. Place the tree in a shaded, sheltered location away from direct sun and drying winds, which rapidly deplete moisture reserves. For bare root trees, the roots must be kept consistently moist by covering them with damp sawdust, peat moss, or soil until they can be placed in their final location.
Planting the sycamore as quickly as possible minimizes transplant shock and maximizes the chances of successful establishment. Watering the tree thoroughly upon arrival and keeping the root area moist during the holding period is the best way to maintain its vigor until it enters the ground.