What Kind of a Climate Does a Sycamore Tree Grow In?

Temperature Hardiness

• Sycamores grow throughout USDA Hardiness Zones 4B to 9A. This range encompasses nearly all of the continental United States, excluding only the coldest and warmest regions like northern Montana and southern Florida. These zones are classified according to their average annual temperature. The average low temperature in Zone 4B is 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, while the average low of 9A is around 30 degrees. The hardiness range for sycamores also extends into southern regions of Canada and Alaska.

Soil Tolerance

• Sycamores are relatively tolerant of various soil conditions. They grow in acidic and alkaline soils with pH levels between 4.4 and 7.5, according to researchers at the Mississippi State University Extension. Soils with a pH outside of this range can be treated with fertilizers containing chemicals like ammonium or lime to increase viability. Sycamores can grow in loose soil, like loam or sand, as well as heavy soils, like clay. These trees reach their full potential when planted in silty soil deposited near rivers, streams and lakes.

Moisture Availability

• Sycamores require a significant amount of moisture to develop and grow properly. They are known as drought-tolerant trees, but they perform better in perpetually moist soil. Consistently dry soil can significantly reduce the life expectancy of a sycamore tree, according to Edward Gilman and Dennis Watson of the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Sycamores can withstand minor flooding, but they suffer permanent or fatal injury if they are exposed to prolonged oversaturation. Well-drained soils that retain moisture without becoming easily saturated provide the ideal growing medium for sycamores. Organic material like peat moss can be mixed with growing soil to improve water drainage.

Other Requirements

• The health of sycamore trees also depends on local environmental factors. They grow best in areas with full exposure to sunlight. Mature sycamores can cause problems in urban and suburban environments due to their expansive root systems, which often breach the surface of the soil and damage pavement or sidewalks. However, they are able to grow in soil with a relatively small amount of available oxygen, according to Watson and Gilman, which increases their viability in urban landscapes compared to other ornamental trees.