Question
Hi-I've recently purchased a home that has 6 sweet gum trees in the front yard. They are still relatively small so for now they don't pose any sort of threat. My issue is this. I've heard horror stories about how invasive the root systems can be on these trees. Is that just in areas that have drier climates? I'm in Oregon, so we have substantial rain. Will the roots "stay put" or should I cut them down now? Thanks

Answer
The Liquidambar (Sweet Gum)is a good street tree, or screening tree in groves...IF there are no utilities around (water, sewer, septic lines, gas, etc.), they should do just fine. I've planted lots of them.  

Most folks object to their two other "issues"; roots that are shallow, and therefore, grass has a hard time growing under them, and the roots get exposed and not very attractive.  The other item of concern is the seed pod, a kind of hard, spikey thing that is no fun to step on bare-footed.

The good side to them is that they are beautiful in the fall (purple-yellow-red), and have a beautiful spreading habit when they get older.

They also get pretty large: up to 60 ft. tall (large for our area, anyway!)

If they ARE on a utility line, just dig them up and move they away at least 15-20 feet away from the lines, as they transplant pretty easily when young.

Regards-
Marc