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*images shown are of mature plants
Growing Zones:
4-9
(hardy down to -20℉)
You are in Growing Zone:
6
Mature Height: |
70 ft. |
Mature Width: |
50 ft. |
Sunlight: |
Full-Partial |
Spacing: |
40-50 ft. |
Growth Rate: |
Fast |
Drought Tolerance: |
Good |
| You are in an area with ~1800 chill hours | |
Botanical Name: |
Platanus occidentalis |
Does Not Ship To: |
AZ |
Don't Buy Bare-Root Trees (learn why below)
The Fastest Growing Sycamore
The American Sycamore is very popular for residential landscaping because of its fast growth (up to 6 ft. a year) and thick canopy... which provides tons of shade.
You can count on your American Sycamore to quickly grow into a symmetrical shade tree or ornamental tree. Just plant and watch it grow! The tree's many branches develop large green palmate leaves that turn to gold in the fall.
Its dense leaves make it an excellent shade provider for your home... big leaves drop when the weather cools, allowing in plenty of sun when you need it most!
And it's so easy to grow!
- Adaptable to most soils
- Thrives in both warm and cold climates
- Grows just about anywhere, even harsh environments
- Just plant it in the ground and add water
This Sycamore develops smooth, white bark in the winter, adding additional seasonal interest. Plant one in your own yard and say good-bye to sweltering summer afternoons.
Customer Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
53 Reviews
Healthy and happy!
She arrived quickly, beautifully and healthy. So far seems to be happy in her new surroundings ! I am very pleased.
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Doing Fantastic
I bought 2 of these during FGT’s “Too Tall Tree” sale several months ago. They arrived nice and bushy, and in great shape. They took to their new location immediately and are noticeably larger already! The front half of my backyard will be nice and shady a lot sooner than expected.
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Great customer service. The tree looks great and growing
I would order again once I have more room in the front or back yard.
I would order again once I have more room in the front or back yard.
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Amazing!
My husband was astounded to see the size and condition of the sycamore tree that was delivered yesterday. He stands 6'2" and the tree is taller than he is! The leaves are well formed and healthy.
I purchased some lilac bushes the day after I purchased the tree and they will be delivered tomorrow. We look forward to many more purchases from you. Thank you SO much for exceeding our expectations.
I purchased some lilac bushes the day after I purchased the tree and they will be delivered tomorrow. We look forward to many more purchases from you. Thank you SO much for exceeding our expectations.
Added Jun 21, 2018
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Young Sycamore
We lost two large trees and needed something that could replace them. We decided on the American Sycamore. It arrived in beautiful shape and we planted it between the two dead tree trunks. We have been caring for it and so far, it is doing great. We have high hopes for this tree! I will try to take another picture next year so you can see it's progress.
Day after our new tree arrived! Planted and so far, it seems to be doing well. May 2018
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Delivered in great shape
My sycamore was delivered quickly and very healthy looking. I planted it with the root growth stuff they also sell and its grown a couple inches already in a couple weeks
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Great trees
So far the two trees I bought look terrific. I am hoping they will be great additions to the house. The trees were in good shape upon arrival and have really taken off this spring.
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2 Sycamores
Came very fast in the beginning of April and planted them within one day. Started getting leaves within a few weeks and has grown height in only a month and a half in Pennsylvania. Doing very well.
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Love it!
What a wonderful tree. Leaves were out 1 week after planting. It is doing outstanding! We love it! Keep up the good work! We are very impressed.
Added May 20, 2018
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Sycamore
Nice tree....took a little bit of time to see the first sprouts, but now it is in full bloom. Looking for the fast growth!
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Planting & Care
It's Easy to Plant & Care for Your American Sycamore
Step 1: Dig Your Hole
Select a site with full to partial sun and moist or well drained soil for your American Sycamore.
First, dig each hole so that it is just shallower than the root ball and at least twice the width.
Then loosen the soil in the planting hole so the roots can easily break through.
Use your shovel or try dragging the points of a pitch fork along the sides and bottom of the hole.
Step 2: Place Your Plant
Next, separate the roots of your American Sycamore gently with your fingers and position them downward in the hole.
The top of the root flare, where the roots end and the trunk begins, should be about an inch above the surrounding soil.
Then make sure the plant is exactly vertical in the hole.
To make it just right, use a level.
Step 3: Backfill Your Hole
As you backfill the hole, apply water to remove air pockets.
Remove debris like stones and grass and completely break up any dirt clumps.
Water your American Sycamore again after the transplant is complete.
Questions & Answers
Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 32 questions
Browse 32 questions
and 110 answers
Being bare root, can this be planted in the spring? how long before seeing any growth
BEST ANSWER: You should see growth in leaf form in 6 to 8 weeks. The tree will get it's roots established first before getting taller. You should see noticeable differences in its height by the Fall.
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- Inaccurate
- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
Is this an invasive tree?
BEST ANSWER: We have 7 large 30 year old Sycamore trees around our home and they are not invasive.
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- joey s on Jun 27, 2014
How are these trees shipped and from were?
BEST ANSWER: These trees are carefully packaged and then shipped via FedEX from South Carolina.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
are they toxic to horses?
BEST ANSWER: No. The American Sycamore is not toxic to horses.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
Does this tree develop a deep root system ?
BEST ANSWER: The American Sycamore's roots system is shallow for the most part. Most of its roots grow closer to the surface. However, there are factors that can affect root growth on this tree. For example the planting location you choose, soil type, and water availability. In most zones and soil types the roots should not grow deeper than 6-8 ft.
We hope this answers your question. Thank you for contacting us.
We hope this answers your question. Thank you for contacting us.
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- Angela S Staff on Aug 13, 2015
How much space should I allow between trees if I want to plant them in a row?
BEST ANSWER: They should be planted at least 10 feet apart, center to center. Planting them 10 feet apart may be cutting it close, since these trees can grow quite wide. 15 to 20 feet would be better.
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- Allison B Staff on Jul 16, 2014
Does this tree loose it's leaves in the winter? It would be a FL tree.
BEST ANSWER: Sycamores are deciduous and normally go dormant and drop their leaves during late fall to early winter. However, in warmer climates the trees will sometimes retain their leaves for a longer period of time; usually until you get a cold snap.
I hope this information was helpful. Thank you for contacting us.
I hope this information was helpful. Thank you for contacting us.
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- Angela S Staff on Aug 13, 2015
does the upper limb bark shed as the tree grows bigger and taller??
BEST ANSWER: It is very common for the American Sycamore Tree to shed its bark. The shed when their bark freezes, to promote new growth. They also shed when they're experiencing fast growth.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 26, 2014
How much water does this tree typically need? We live on the front range of Colorado, 5 mile east of Cherry Creek Reservoir where it can get pretty dry.
BEST ANSWER: We planted this tree in our yard in Massachusetts, just south of Boston. We put two pvc pipe sections down below the root ball and filled with good loam, mulch and a small bit of manure. We watered the tree by putting water in the pvc tubes to assure that the water got to the roots. We were generous with water until the tree got established. then we let nature take its course. The tree requires quite a bit of well directed water as it gets started. Then only enough for maintenance. In general a sycamore tree requires a great deal of water as it gets bigger. In general, Sycamore trees prosper in an environment that prefers flood planes, alluvial soils and moist grounds. The root structure of the American sycamore is quite shallow (six to ten feet deep at maturity) and extends close to the surface for a substantial distance. I therefore does not seek water deeper in the ground. There are web sites that describe the American Sycamore - and its preferred environments - in some detail. Search "American Sycamore" nd then "root structure" or "referred environment" or "planting and maintenance" I don't think the tree would prosper in a dry environment unless you keep it well watered. John Morton
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- John M on May 12, 2015
- Purchased on May 20, 2013
I leave in area with high winds. How well does this do with high winds?
BEST ANSWER: American Sycamore trees stand up extremely well in areas with a lot of storms, and high winds. However, you may need to stake a young tree to make sure it gets established and well rooted into the ground.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
does this tree weep sap from the leaves?
BEST ANSWER: Sap does not come from the leaves, but sap can come from broken branches and damaged bark.
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- Allison B Staff on Jul 10, 2014
Do you have to plant this immediately upon receiving the tree? I would like to purchase but would not be able to plant for a couple of weeks.
Are they good treehouse trees?
BEST ANSWER: I would say yes, they would make for a great treehouse. I like the large leaves it produces which would be fun for a treehouse. And the main trunck is very straight and strong for stability. I hoped it would grow faster than it has since we planted it a couple of years ago (we live in SLC, UT), however there are some older sycamore trees in the area that are very big and tall, which our's will be one day I'm sure.
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- Terry N on Dec 5, 2015
- Purchased on Jul 4, 2014
Does this tree attract deer and if so, what can I do to protect the tree?
BEST ANSWER: I don"t believe it attracts deer. I live on 4 acres ( two cleared) and the woods around my property are packed with deer. They never come in my yard to bother my Sycamore trees.
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- Patricia I on Oct 1, 2014
Can you plant these in summer with 100 degree temp several weeks in a row?
BEST ANSWER: If you are prepared to give your new trees extra attention (and water!), you will probably succeed in keeping them alive if you plant in summer. However, it is much preferable to plant in the fall or the spring, when the temperature is more moderate and your plants will have less adverse conditions to deal with.
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- Karen Staff on Jul 1, 2015
How fast do they grow?
BEST ANSWER: They are slow growers. Don't expect to see this tree mature rapidly. These trees are insurers, they will be enjoyed by generations to come. Usually don't hate fruit, (monkey balls) until age 70-80.
I love the tree, its beautiful and I know I have to be patient.
Buy the largest one available.
Mine was 6ft and inch in diameter now its 7 inches in diameter and 14 ft tall in 3 seasons
I love the tree, its beautiful and I know I have to be patient.
Buy the largest one available.
Mine was 6ft and inch in diameter now its 7 inches in diameter and 14 ft tall in 3 seasons
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- CAROL B on Jan 20, 2018
- Purchased on Feb 2, 2016
when treating your yard with cemicals does it hurt the tree thats is in your neibors yard?
BEST ANSWER: Some chemicals can harm trees if the chemicals reach the roots.Generally weed killers should not be applied under a tree's canopy. If chemicals aren't properly diluted with water they can be harmful. It depends on what the chemical is, how close it's applied to the tree and if it's properly applied or not.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
I would be planting it 3' to 4' from incoming water supply to house. will the roots interfere with pipes. Also do they have suckers that would shoot up. Do they attract hornets.? Live in Zone 5-6
BEST ANSWER: The roots aren't invasive water seeking roots. They can spread about as far as the tree's canopy though. What's above ground serves as a mirror image of what is underground. Any tree can grow suckers. Suckers pop up more often when there is a lot of light frequent waterings, this keeps roots close to the surface. If you give your tree a slow deep watering by holding a hose at it's base and counting to 20 then the ground will become saturated and the roots will grow downwards for that water. Deeper roots tend to equal less suckers. Remove suckers by taking a firm grip on them and then pulling them upwards out of the ground in a twisting motion. This tree does not attract hornets.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 30, 2015
Does this tree produce any kind of nuts, like oak has acorns and hickory has nuts?
BEST ANSWER: Sycamores produce these puffy seed balls that tend to break apart over time. They are soft and are usually taken care of by the lawnmower. Sycamores will drop twigs fairly often when they get big.
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- Robert M on Oct 1, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 8, 2017
American sycamore average growth per year?
BEST ANSWER: Not sure of the average growth, but I have one that I planted in 2016 and it is at least 3 times it’s original size! Very fast growing!
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- Cindy W on Apr 11, 2018
- Purchased on May 4, 2016
do these trees have seeds that drop and make a mess?
BEST ANSWER: The trees do drop seeds, but I think the beauty of the tree far exceeds the seasonal inconvenience of cleaning up seed balls! Put a trash can under the tree with the top off and see how many balls you can throw into it without missing. Kids love to do this too!
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- Gary H on Apr 24, 2016
- Purchased on Jun 29, 2014
what about pests?
BEST ANSWER: The American Sycamores we purchased from Fast Growing Trees and planted in 2013 have not shown any signs of pest issues. We are in south west Oklahoma and we have older Sycamores that do periodically have issues with lace wing bugs but normally spraying in the early spring with malathion prevents future pest problems in the summer. They become beautiful trees with abundant shade when mature.
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- joey s on Jun 27, 2014
Will this type of tree affect my u see ground sprinkler system? I’d like to plant one in my front yard in an area of about 1,000 square feet of grass area.
BEST ANSWER: I have one in my front yard and back yard as well and I have a septic system that has not been affected so far. The one in the front yard where the septic is located has been there over 15 years
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- margarita t on Oct 12, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 26, 2017
WILL THIS TREE WORK FOR CENTRAL WISCONSIN ?
BEST ANSWER: The growing zones are 4-9. Click the link to look up what growing zone you are in.
http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/USDA-Plant-Hardiness-Zone-Map.htm
http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/USDA-Plant-Hardiness-Zone-Map.htm
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- Robyn . Staff on Sep 20, 2016
Had my tree for about 2 months already and the leaves are starting to brown around the tips. What is the possibility of causing that?
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for contacting us. Browning can occur for several reasons. It can occur from under-watering, transition stress, or the plant going into dormancy. I recommend doing a scratch test on the tree to determine if its still viable. You can scratch near the base of the trunk and if it is still green underneath the tree should recover. Make sure that your tree is receiving enough water. American Sycamores like most shade trees prefer moist soil. I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have additional questions. We can be reached at 1-888-504-2001.
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- Chanel C Staff on Oct 21, 2015
Has anyone planted this tree in zone 5? Wisconsin. How tall will the Sycamore Tree get?
BEST ANSWER: American Sycamores can reach up to 70 ft. How quickly or tall your tree will grow will depend on your climate, soil conditions, and available water source. You can contact your local agricultural extension for additional information on how this tree thrives in your area.
Thank you for contacting us.
Thank you for contacting us.
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- Angela S Staff on Aug 13, 2015
How will this grow in a somewhat sandy soil?
BEST ANSWER: Not sure but, here in OH they are found in the wild along rivers and streams. I planted mine in heavy clay but ammended the planting hole with some sand.
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- Kathleen B on Jul 6, 2015
- Purchased on Jun 4, 2014
How many years do American Sycamores live?
BEST ANSWER: 200 to 250 years!
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- Florencew L on Sep 20, 2018
- Purchased on Sep 22, 2016
We have clay soil and it retains water for several days when we have 2-3 inches of rain in a short amount of time. Can Sycamore trees stand water around their roots? We are in Northern I.linois.
BEST ANSWER: Yes the American Sycamore are tolerant of various types of soil as well as wet soil conditions.
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- Robin . Staff on Apr 16, 2018
how high are the bottom branches from the ground?
BEST ANSWER: Ours has only been planted for about a year and the bottom branches are about 18 inches off the ground. We have older Sycamore trees- not sure if they're American Sycamore- on our property that have bottom branches at least 15 feet off the ground. You can always prune off the lower branches as necessary for mowing, etc.
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- Melodee K on Oct 27, 2016
- Purchased on Jun 22, 2015
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Most items ship the next business day unless otherwise noted
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately, however some orders may ship in 1-2 business days (we do not ship on the weekends) from date of purchase. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.
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