Golden on Golden

My liquidambar tree, or American Sweetgum, is finally in full glorious fall foliage, later than usual this year, but just in time for the holidays. Last year the tree turned red before dropping it's leaves. Two years ago, and again this year, the tree is mostly golden tinged with red, except for the south facing leaves which are mostly red with green.

Liquidambars are ubiquitous here in OC. It's a wonderful shade tree through the warm summer months and is one of the few reliable trees that provide fall foliage.

The seed pod, or fruit, is a spiney little ball. Hundreds of them will drop off the tree before it leafs out again in the spring. Beware the barefoot gardener!

Since the tree is deciduous, it's best to prune in the winter (in southern California, at least) when the tree is dormant. You can get a clear picture of the bones of the tree then. Cutting off the lower branches will help the tree grow taller if that is your aim. I've left the lower branches on because we are prone to Santa Ana winds. The lower branches keep the tree achored better than having the tree top heavy. I've planted mine in front of my house for privacy and the pure pleasure of seeing the autumn showstopping color framed by the picture window. It brings the outdoors in. During the winter months while the tree is dormant, it allows the sun to flow in through that window and warm the house on cool mornings. (Hopefully, we will have a few of those this January, just for a little variety.)

Planted about five years ago, my tree stands taller than the house and stalwart through the recent heavy winds.

Now don't you wish you awakened each morning to the sight of this lovely tree?