Arizona Sycamore

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 40-80 feet
Spread: 40-80 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

The Arizona Sycamore is a native tree to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It's often found along streams and rivers, playing an important role in riparian ecosystems.

One of the most striking features of the Arizona Sycamore is its bark. The outer bark peels away in irregular patches, revealing a smooth, creamy white to olive-green inner bark. This characteristic gives the tree a distinct and attractive appearance, particularly in the winter months when the leaves have fallen.

The leaves of the Arizona Sycamore are another distinctive feature. They are large, with a broad, lobed shape, and a vibrant green color. In the fall, the leaves turn a golden yellow, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.

Arizona Sycamores are large and stately trees, valued for their shade and ornamental qualities. They are often used in large landscape areas, parks, and along streets. Their size and spreading canopy make them a good choice for spacious areas where they can grow to their full potential.

This tree prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil conditions. It requires regular watering, especially in dryer climates, and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it well-suited for planting near water sources.

Overall, the Arizona Sycamore is appreciated for its majestic size, unique bark, and broad, shade-providing canopy. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions and its role in natural ecosystems make it a valuable addition to landscapes in its native range.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Arizona Sycamore

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil)
• Spacing: Space trees 20-30 feet apart to allow for their large mature size and to ensure proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking typically required once established; young trees may need light staking to ensure a straight trunk

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the root zone

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: The Arizona Sycamore is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the tree begins to show steady new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water deeply every 10-14 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Arizona Sycamore is drought-tolerant once established but will still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure that water reaches the root zone. This will help to promote deep root growth and prevent excess moisture near the trunk, which could lead to rot.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters that provide 2-4 gallons per hour, allowing for slow and deep watering. This helps the water to penetrate deep into the soil, encouraging the roots to spread and grow deep.
• Number of Emitters: Place 3-4 emitters around the base of the tree to ensure even water distribution. Increase the number of emitters as the tree matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for large trees like the Arizona Sycamore, as they require deep, infrequent watering. This will help you adjust the duration and frequency of watering to meet the tree’s needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: During the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency, especially in extreme heat, but keep the sessions brief to avoid over-saturation. In the winter, reduce watering frequency to every 3-4 weeks or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Regularly check the soil moisture. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Arizona Sycamore is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be mindful of not over-watering.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Avoid placing mulch directly against the tree’s trunk.