Plant Care
Caring for your Sycamore Tree
| Oct 12, 2022
Sycamore (and the closely related London Plane tree) are a staple around the Main Line and our area boasts some of the largest in the country. Their giant leaves, interesting bark and beautiful structure make it an easy favorite among many.
Sycamore trees are the largest deciduous trees in North America. Take a look at the photograph below of a PA State Champion Sycamore in Chester Springs. It is an incredible 120’ tall and 370” in circumference!
Image source linked above: www.PAbigtrees.com
Because of the prized nature of Sycamore trees, customers often ask how they can ensure the vigor and vitality of their Sycamore tree for decades to come.
There are two must-do items to care for your Sycamore tree: an annual deep-root feeding and a trunk-injected fungicide treatment.
A deep-root feeding involves injecting the soil around your tree with a custom low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer blend of nutrients, seaweed extract, humic acid, surfactants and humectants designed to increase root development and reduce water stress. The fertilizer blend is injected 3”-6” below the soil to target the tree’s feeder roots and is done under the entire canopy of the tree - from the base of the trunk out to the tips of the branches.
Marielle injects the soil around a large London Plane Tree in Villanova with plenty of nutrients to help it through the winter.
Sycamore also struggle with a number of fungal problems, some affecting the foliage and some affecting the trunk itself. Champion Tree uses new, trunk-injection technology to deliver fungicide directly into the trunk of the tree. This involves drilling small holes around the base of the tree and using compressed air to propel the chemical through a needle directly into the drilled holes.
This method ensures all of the fungicide remains in the tree and isn’t washed away with rain or snow. Check out the video below to see the treatment in action!
Marielle injects fungicide directly into the trunk of a London Plane tree using new, compressed air technology!
Sycamore do not often struggle with destructive bugs so there is usually no need to treat preventatively for insects. If a visible insect problem does occur, such as the presence of Lacebug (a small, white or transparent bug that eats through the underside of the leaves) an insecticide treatment may be warranted.
If you have a Sycamore or London Plane tree on your property, please reach out for a complimentary estimate for these two services. We love Sycamore trees and are eager to help you care for yours!