Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’: A Versatile and Attractive Deciduous Tree
Introduction
Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’, also known as the variegated sycamore, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is native to central Europe and southwestern Asia. It was introduced to Britain in the 15th Century and has since become a popular choice for planting in cities and coastal areas due to its tolerance of wind, urban pollution, and salt spray.
Key Features
- Height and Spread: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ typically grows to a height of 15 meters and a spread of 10 meters.
- Foliage: The leaves of Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ are variegated, with green and cream markings. They turn a vibrant yellow in autumn.
- Flowers: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ produces small, yellow flowers in spring.
- Fruit: The fruit of Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is a winged seed that is dispersed by the wind.
- Hardiness: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and climates.
Planting and Care
Planting:
- Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ can be planted in full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
- It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate clay, chalky, or alkaline soils.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Care:
- Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is a relatively low-maintenance tree.
- It should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.
- Fertilize the tree in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Water the tree deeply during periods of drought.
Benefits of Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’
Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is a versatile and attractive tree that offers a number of benefits, including:
- Wildlife value: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, and butterflies. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, and has seeds for birds.
- Ornamental value: The variegated foliage of Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ makes it a striking addition to any landscape. It can be used as a specimen tree, in a group planting, or as a hedge.
- Air pollution tolerance: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is tolerant of air pollution, making it a good choice for planting in urban areas.
- Salt spray tolerance: Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for planting in coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do about sycamore seedlings from my neighbor’s tree?
Sycamore trees self-seed readily and can shed masses of seeds each year. If a sycamore tree is growing in a neighboring garden, these seeds can land in your garden and may germinate in your lawn and borders. Once growth has become woody, sycamore trees are hard to remove, so you must be vigilant and catch the seedlings when they’re young or even before they germinate. Check your lawn and borders regularly from mid-summer to spring and clear up any seeds before they germinate. Sycamore seedlings can be easily pulled out of the soil or simply mowed the lawn to kill them off – they won’t grow back. Larger saplings will need to be dug out of the soil, with their rootball intact.
How can I deal with a sycamore stump?
If you have felled a sycamore tree and need to remove its stump, the best way to do this is by digging it out manually. This can be back-breaking work, but you can hire a mini-excavator to give you a helping hand – both methods will remove most of the sycamore root system. Alternatively, a stump grinder can be used to grind the main root into fine sawdust. Although stump grinders can be hired, we recommend you employ a professional as they are potentially hazardous to use. Some roots will be left in the ground but they should gradually rot down.
Companion Plants for Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’
Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ can be planted with a variety of companion plants, including:
- Shrubs: Viburnum, Hydrangea, Rhododendron
- Perennials: Hosta, Astilbe, Heuchera
- Groundcovers: Vinca, Pachysandra, Euonymus
Conclusion
Acer ‘Simon Louis Freres’ is a versatile and attractive deciduous tree that is well-suited to a variety of landscapes. It is easy to care for and offers a number of benefits, including wildlife value, ornamental value, air pollution tolerance, and salt spray tolerance.
