We love knowing sweet gum trees grow well in the Pacific Northwest. Also known as Liquid Amber (liquidambar styraciflua), the trees are beautiful. The leaves resemble a maple leaf, but are more deeply lobed and star-shaped. Due to a recent change, our own sugar gum tree has taken center stage in the yard this year.
Last month, an arborist determined that our Mimosa tree, which was located near the sweet gum, was diseased and recommended removal. His concern, the possibility of spreading disease to the other healthy deciduous trees on our property.
Therefore, we agreed, and the tree was removed. We were happy to discover a pleasant upside to losing the tree - opening up the yard and gaining a new view. Yesterday, our elderly mother walked out to the front porch and exclaimed in joy, "We have a sweet gum tree!" It was the first time she was able to view it in its entirety.
Apparently, she and my late father planted a sweet gum in the yard of one of their homes, it was a favorite of theirs. It made us happy to see her pleasure in recognizing the tree. We understand why she took notice too, even on a soggy gray day, fall is the time of the year when these lovely trees really shine.
Another bonus for us, the trees attract wildlife and require little maintenance. Finnegan also seems to approve, he's been enjoying laying under the branches watching the world go by.
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