Umbrella Sweetgum Trees

What are Umbrella Trees?

Umbrella trees feature a canopy that forms a distinct, umbrella-like shape. This can naturally occur in certain tree species or be achieved through specific pruning techniques. At Harrod Outdoors, we shape our Sweetgum trees to develop a broad, spreading canopy that slopes downward, resembling an open umbrella. This unique form is highly valued in landscape design for its shade provision and striking visual appeal.

Why Choose Sweetgum Trees?

Gardeners love umbrella Sweetgum trees for their distinctive and elegant appearance. The broad canopy provides ample shade, perfect for creating cool, relaxing garden spots. This style blends form and function beautifully, offering not only visual interest but also practical benefits like sun protection and enhanced privacy. Moreover, the unique umbrella shape adds an architectural element that stands out in any landscape.

Benefits of Umbrella Sweetgum Trees

Umbrella Sweetgum trees bring multiple benefits to your garden. Their striking shape makes them a focal point, adding dramatic architectural interest. Furthermore, the dense canopy provides excellent shade, ideal for creating cool retreats or shaded seating areas. This tree style also supports wildlife, offering shelter and nesting sites for birds. Additionally, Sweetgum trees display vibrant autumn colours, transforming gardens with shades of red, orange, and purple. Interestingly, the Sweetgum tree belongs to the Altingiaceae family, and its star-shaped leaves are a distinctive feature that adds to its charm.

Varieties Suitable for Umbrella Trees

Native Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua): Known for its adaptability and vibrant autumn colours, the native Sweetgum forms broad, umbrella-like canopies. Its dense foliage and robust growth make it an excellent choice for creating shaded garden spots.

Rotundifolia Sweetgum: Featuring rounded leaves and a compact growth habit, Rotundifolia Sweetgum is ideal for smaller umbrella canopies in urban gardens or limited spaces. Its unique leaf shape and vibrant colours add visual interest.

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum: Typically known for its narrow, columnar shape, this variety can be trained to form elegant, narrow umbrella canopies with specific pruning techniques, adding vertical and horizontal interest to garden designs.

Landscaping and Design

Umbrella Sweetgum trees are versatile additions to any landscaping project. They create structured and shaded areas, enhancing garden aesthetics with their unique canopy shape. Landscapers use these trees to design shaded pathways, garden retreats, or as standalone features that draw the eye. The umbrella form, an age-old classic in landscaping, combines beauty and practicality, adding a sense of maturity and elegance to garden spaces.

Conclusion

Umbrella Sweetgum trees from Harrod Outdoors offer a unique and sophisticated solution for enhancing garden aesthetics and functionality. Varieties like native Sweetgum, Rotundifolia Sweetgum, and Slender Silhouette Sweetgum provide beautiful, low-maintenance options for creating stunning umbrella canopies. Discover the charm and utility of umbrella Sweetgum trees and transform your garden into a beautiful and inviting outdoor space with Harrod Outdoors.