Question
I love the colors of the liquid amber. I would like to plant some of them about 30 feet away from my home in Big Bear California.  the elevation is about 8500 feet.

Will the trees survive the winter? I'm also concerned about the roots reaching the foundation of my home.

What advice could you give me.

Thank you

Answer
Liquidambar will grow there ok. Planting the tree 30 feet from the house will be no problem with the foundation. One problem you may have is the fruit--it produces a spiked ball and many people object to getting all over the ground. There are other trees that will give a good fall color as the sweetgum. Here is a web link to some in CA.
http://www.westernhort.org/articles_Schramm_fall%2347AA.html