my sycamore's GROWIN!

[jinman]

my county supplied the cylinders in their seed and soil program this year year, and the sycamores, well i like 'em because they're fast growing and local --

When I was a kid, I loved sycamore trees because they normally had a nice trunk and were easy to climb. That was then...

Now I notice that they have very shallow roots. I've bent one riding lawnmower blade on one root because I didn't see it in the grass...my fault. Sycamores also get called "trash trees" because mature trees drop a lot of limbs and the seed pod "balls." Normally a manicured lawn will have some other type of tree, but I've seen giant sycamores with lovely lawns below. The folks just did a lot of work to keep it that way.

They are great for shade, but also soft wood with all the associated problems. If I liked sycamores, I would not mind planting some, but I'd be careful about the location.

Obviously, I have mixed feelings. I do know that my brother and I planted two sycamores when I was 13 and he was 16. Those trees were huge by the time we were in our late 40s.

 

[3RRL]

I do know that my brother and I planted two sycamores when I was 13 and he was 16. Those trees were huge by the time we were in our late 40s.
Geez Jim,
lol ... Then they must be Giants by now, if they are still alive.
I just love Sycamores. They grow all around our riverbanks out here. In the fall their leaves look like little boats floating down the streams.

 

[jinman]

Geez Jim,
lol ... Then they must be Giants by now, if they are still alive.

Rob, we sold that property --the old home place-- in '98. There is a 3-story apartment complex right where those sycamores used to be. The last time I saw them, I think they were over 50' tall and the trunks were about 30" diameter at 3' above the ground. My brother and I were having a discussion about those trees and how each year's growth ring would have lots of stories to tell about our family. In a way, it was our sentimental goodbye to what we knew would soon be pushed over by a dozer...such is life.

BTW: About 150' from those trees was a shallow water well. It was about 5' in diameter and rocked up down to 35'. It was only 27' down to the water level. I'm not sure if any of the sycamore's roots ever made it down that far. But if they did, they found all the water they needed.