How to Grow Cleveland Select Sweetgum
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Cleveland Select Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Cleveland Select'
treeCleveland Select is a narrowly columnar cultivar of the American sweetgum tree, prized for its striking fall foliage that transitions from green to deep burgundy and purple. It reaches 40-50 feet tall but only 8-12 feet wide, making it ideal for narrow spaces and urban landscapes. Unlike the species, it produces few to no spiky gumballs, eliminating a major maintenance concern.
When should you plant Cleveland Select Sweetgum in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Cleveland Select Sweetgum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cleveland Select Sweetgum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cleveland Select Sweetgum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cleveland Select Sweetgum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung tree 6-8 feet at purchase; leaves are bright green; root system developing
Water deeply twice weekly for first year; apply 3-4 inches of mulch around base (keep 6 inches from trunk); stake if in windy location; prune only to remove damaged branches
Juvenile Growth
Years 2-5Rapid upright growth, narrow columnar form becomes established; foliage dense and full; minor branching
Continue regular watering during dry spells; maintain mulch; minimal pruning needed due to naturally narrow habit; remove any lower branches if desired for clearance
Maturing
Years 5-15Reaches near full height (35-45 feet); crown becomes more defined and densely foliated; branching structure more prominent
Reduce watering frequency as tree becomes established; thin interior branches if needed for air circulation; monitor for pests; prune dead or crossing branches in late winter
Fall Color
4-6 weeks in fallLeaves transition from green to outstanding burgundy, deep red, and purple hues; peak color typically mid-October; gumball production minimal or absent
No special care needed; enjoy the spectacular display; light cleanup of minimal leaf debris; this is the tree's signature feature
Dormancy
November-MarchBare branches in winter; columnar silhouette remains attractive; skeletal form provides winter structure
Prune only if necessary in late winter before spring growth; remove any dead or diseased wood; no watering needed except in severe drought
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for cottony deposits on branches; treat with horticultural oil in early spring; severe infestations benefit from systemic insecticide
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Keep tree healthy and stress-free; avoid wounding; remove infested branches; maintain proper watering
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Damage is typically cosmetic; prune affected branches if severe; encourage natural predators
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if population becomes severe; more common in dry conditions
Uses
Fall Foliage Display
OrnamentalCleveland Select is renowned for its dramatic autumn color transformation from green to burgundy, red, and purple, providing stunning visual interest in the landscape for 4-6 weeks. Its columnar form makes it ideal for use as a focal point or vertical accent in gardens and urban spaces. [source]
Minimal Maintenance Tree
HouseholdUnlike standard sweetgum trees that produce thousands of spiky gumballs, Cleveland Select produces few to no gumballs, virtually eliminating cleanup and allowing it to be planted near patios, walkways, and parking areas without debris concerns. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeThe dense columnar foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small animals. The narrow crown allows light penetration, supporting understory vegetation that attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. [source]
Pressed Leaves & Botanical Art
CraftThe star-shaped leaves and rich fall colors are prized for pressed flower arrangements, autumn wreaths, crafts, and botanical art projects. Leaves can be pressed and dried for use in decorative displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; this is an ornamental tree grown for landscape value and fall color display
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cleveland Select was developed specifically to address the 'gumball problem' of standard sweetgum trees—the original tree at the Cleveland park system proved to be nearly sterile, making it a breakthrough for urban landscaping
- 🌱 The star-shaped leaves of sweetgum are so distinctive they appear on several state seals and flags; the tree's aromatic resin was historically used in medicines and incense
- 🌱 Despite its columnar form, Cleveland Select is still a full-sized shade tree reaching 40-50 feet, making it one of the tallest ornamental cultivars suited to narrow spaces
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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