Maintenance Landscaping Design

Sourwood tree is a plant that is native to eastern North America. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to be 20-30 feet tall. The leaves of the sourwood tree are oblong-shaped and have a leathery texture. They are dark green in color and have a sour, acidic taste. The flowers of the sourwood tree are white and blooming occurs in late spring or early summer. The fruit of the sourwood tree is a small, black berry.

Popular name

• Mountain Ash
  
• Rowan tree
  
• Sorbus aucuparia
  
• European mountain ash
  
• Boissier's mountain ash

Basic info

• The scientific name for the sourwood tree is Oxydendrum arboreum.
  
• Sourwood trees are native to the eastern United States.
  
• Sourwood trees can grow to be up to 80 feet tall.
  
• The leaves of the sourwood tree are elliptical in shape and turn a beautiful red color in the fall.
  
• The flowers of the sourwood tree are white and appear in late spring or early summer.
  
• The fruit of the sourwood tree is a small, dark-colored drupe.
  
• The wood of the sourwood tree is strong and durable, making it ideal for a variety of uses such as lumber, furniture, and flooring.
  
• The bark of the sourwood tree is dark grey in color and deeply furrowed.
  
• Sourwood trees are sometimes called "lily of the valley trees" due to the shape of their leaves.
  
• Sourwood honey is a type of honey that is produced from the nectar of the sourwood tree's flowers and is prized for its unique flavor.

Planting Process

1. For sourwood tree, first step is get a tree.
   
2. Next, plant the tree in a sunny location.
   
3. Sourwood tree need well-drained soil, so make sure the location you choose has that.
   
4. Water the tree regularly, especially when it is first planted.
   
5. Fertilize the tree twice a year, in spring and fall.
   
6. Prune the tree as needed to keep it healthy and looking its best.
   
7. Enjoy the beauty of your sourwood tree!

Related plant:
Sourwood

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Sourwood tree prefers rich, acidic, well-drained soils, but it is somewhat tolerant of less than ideal conditions. It does not do well in heavy, wet soils. This trees does best in full sun, but it can tolerate some light shade.

Light condition

Like the other trees, the sourwood tree needs sunlight to grow. However, it prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade, rather than direct sunlight. If it gets too much sun, the leaves will start to scorch and turn brown. So, if you're growing a sourwood tree, make sure to give it some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a Sourwood tree is one that is cool. This type of tree does not like it when the temperature gets too hot. They prefer a temperature that is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is above 60%, so misting the leaves often is recommended. The leaves of the sourwood tree are very sensitive to drought conditions and will begin to brown and drop off if the humidity is too low. If you live in an area with low humidity, consider investing in a humidifier to keep the air around your sourwood tree moist.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring and again in early fall. An organic fertilizer is ideal. If you must use a chemical fertilizer, use one that is made for acid loving plants. It's always best to apply fertilizer when the soil is moist. As far as the roots go, this tree has a very shallow root system. Therefore, be sure to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought.

About light

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy sourwood tree. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, promote new growth, and improve the tree's overall shape. When pruning, always use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the sourwood tree is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy branches that are about the diameter of a pencil. The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. The lower leaves should be removed and the remaining leaves should be cut in half. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a shady location until they have rooted, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 12 and 24 inches per year. So, if you were to plant a sourwood tree today, it would be about 2 to 3 feet tall in 10 years. After that, growth begins to taper off, and the tree may only grow an inch or two per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are, root system problems, planting too shallow, planting on a slope, and improper drainage. All of these problems can be fixed with the help of a tree service company.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to water your tree regularly. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize your tree during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your tree regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too large.
  
• Place your tree in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight.
  
• Be sure to plant your tree in well-draining soil.
  
• When watering your tree, do not let the water sit on the leaves for too long as this can cause leaf scorch.
  
• Insects are attracted to sourwood trees, so be sure to check your tree regularly for pests and to treat them accordingly.
  
• Diseases can also be a problem for sourwood trees. Be sure to watch for signs of disease and to treat them promptly.
  
• Sourwood trees can be susceptible to damage from severe weather. Protect your tree from

Alternative Plants

• sweetwood tree
  
• saltwood tree
  
• softwood tree
  
• hardwood tree
  
• evergreen tree
  
• deciduous tree
  
• fruit tree
  
• nut tree
  
• flowering tree
  
• shade tree

Source:
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Sourwood Brings Native Beauty to Landscapes | NC State …
Forest Resources Center & Arboretum - Sourwood