Our range of Sycamore bare root trees (Acer pseudoplatanus)

We have Sycamore bare root tree saplings in several sizes and specifications.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old. We have Sycamore bare root whips in several heights.  These plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.

The seed used to grow our Sycamore trees is "orchard seed" which means it's been harvested from trees that are grown specifically to produce the highest possible standard of tree sapling for timber production - see our blog on seed provenance.

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) Summary

It is thought that Sycamores were introduced to the UK by the Romans so although non-native, they’re certainly well acclimatised and widely planted in the UK.

The seeds germinate very easily in the wild so Sycamore has spread widely across the UK and is found in most woodlands.  It is sometimes not in favour with foresters due to the need to control the seedlings and also it can be a target for grey squirrels (who strip off the bark at the top of the tree to get to the sweet sap wood) but with the combination of climate change and diseases affecting some of our other native broadleaf trees, it is worth reconsidering sycamore in planned productive woodlands, particularly as it can grow to a diameter of 60cm in 60 years.  Many trees have a feature called rippled curly, figured or fiddleback, making it a very attractive timber for furniture.

Sycamore is wind tolerant and sea salt tolerant with deep roots acting as anchors so are very good at the coast and inland exposed areas.  They are also pollution/road salt tolerant hence their use in urban settings but as a large tree with a broad silhouette they need to be planted into parks or large gardens and not more constrained sites. Sycamore is a very useful tree for situations that do not lend themselves to alternative species.   As a hedgerow tree, it has a good upright trunk to keep it well clear of hedges (not inhibiting the growth of the hedging plants), its seedlings tend not to be a problem and it supports a large number of aphids which is of great benefit to birds and other hedgerow inhabitants.

The wood is pale, almost white and works well whilst green and does not taint so can be used for kitchen utensils.  It also produces very fine veneers and excellent firewood.

Soil and Situation

Sycamore will grow in almost any soil but prefers rich, deep, fertile, moist but well drained soil.   They have deep roots which anchor the tree and make it a good choice for windy situations.  They are environmentally robust trees, good for urban sites (but not where the roots might lift pavements or paths) as well as woodlands where they appreciate a bit of sunshine rather than full shade.  Their tolerance of wind, salt spray, pollution and road salt make them very useful trees for a range of difficult situations (including the now sadly Sycamore-less Gap in Northumberland) but they also are a host to a wide range of wildlife. With Ash die back beginning to bite, Sycamore can be a useful alternative both as a timber tree and a landscape feature as well as for its wildlife benefit.

Leaves, flowers and fruit

The leaves are large (up to 20cm) green maple shaped (palmate with 5 toothed lobes) turning yellow in autumn. They attract aphids which in turn attract ladybirds, birds and other insects, and the leaves are also eaten by moth caterpillars. 

The flowers which are short yellow dangling racemes are very good for pollinators and an excellent source of pollen.  The fruit are “helicopters” of winged seeds and are eaten by birds and small mammals. There is a wide angle between the winged helicopter seed pairs.

The branches reach upwards and have an opposite pattern.

Eventual height and growth rate

Sycamore trees become large, broad trees up to 35m, and are fast growing in the first 20 years, and potentially live for 400 years.

Sapindaceae family.