"Sycamore is best suited for soils which are moist and
do not dry out. Dry soil can lead to short life for this
wet-site-tolerant tree. Sycamore has been cursed by
horticulturists and others because it is said to be
messy, dropping leaves and small twigs throughout the
year, particularly in dry weather. However, the tree
grows in places which appear most unsuitable to plant
growth, such as in small cut out planting pits in
sidewalks and in other areas with low soil oxygen and
high pH.
Unfortunately, aggressive roots often raise
and destroy nearby sidewalks. The dense shade
created by the trees canopy may interfere with the
growth of lawn grasses beneath it. In addition, the
leaves which fall to the ground in autumn reportedly
release a substance which can kill newly planted grass.
Best not planted in yards due to messy habit, it should
be saved for the toughest sites and supplied with some irrigation in drought. Allow at least 12 feet
(preferrably more) of soil between the sidewalk and
curb when planting as a street tree." - From Fact Sheet on Sycamore - USDA Forest Service
How to Manage Sycamore
Sycamore Habit and Culture
Fire Effects on Sycamore


