- From Native Trees for North American Landscapes - Sternberg/Wilson
"Be careful when locating Sweetgum as a street
tree since its large, aggressive roots may lift curbs and
sidewalks. Plant trees 8 to 10 feet or more from
curbs. Some communities have large numbers of
Sweetgum planted as street trees. Much of the root
system is shallow (particularly in its native, moist
habitat), but there are deep vertical roots directly
beneath the trunk in well-drained and in some other
soils. The fruit may be a litter nuisance to some in the
fall, but this is usually only noticeable on hard
surfaces, such as roads, patios, and sidewalks, where
people could slip and fall on the fruit..."
- From Introduction to Sweetgum, USFS Fact Sheet ST358
