Is Sycamore a weed? - By Gillian
The Sycamore, Acer Pseudoplatanus is one of the oldest species of trees on our planet and is one of Britain’s most widespread trees. It is also referred to as the Great Maple. It was introduced from the mainland Europe several centuries ago and is considered a hardy immigrant. It is a resilient, tough, long living, adaptable tree and seems impervious to harsh weather and pollution.
Since 1970 the Sycamore has been used as an energy crop for biofuel because of its fast growth and large carbon mitigation potential. It is used to create flooring veneer, barrels, cabinets, furniture and backs and necks of violins.
Why then, would anyone want to classify such a tree as a weed??
First of all, Sycamores require full sunlight to remain healthy. They produce large numbers of seeds (that look like helicopter propellers), these spin off the trees and are carried by the wind, encouraging their rapid spread.
These seeds are extremely fertile and not restricted to where they germinate. They grow so quickly and spread at such a rate that these trees soon block out the chances of more native species prospering by casting shade and starving them of sunlight. It is mainly for this reason that the Sycamore is so disliked. In a short space of time, dense concentrations of Sycamore can establish themselves if their spread is unchecked. Apart from blocking out the sunlight their leaves become sticky because of secretions produced by aphids, these sticky leaves fall to the ground and can make it difficult for understory plants to establish themselves.
Some experts argue that although the sycamore supports a number of species, it does not support a diverse ecosystem as does the Oak. It supports aphids which in turn attract small birds like Blue Tits. It also supports as many lichens as the Oak. The abundant leaf litter attracts many worms and as a result rich humus develops. However, because of its rapid growth and spread, it quickly dominates the woods and excludes other trees, which in turn reduces biodiversity. Many woods have become ‘invaded’ and have become monocultures of Sycamore due to the fact that they grow and reach maturity so quickly. They are indeed beautiful trees, however, they basically outcompete other native species.
According to Dr. Reavey (2012), Senior lecturer at the University of Chichester, 'the Sycamore is actually a weed'. In mant parts of the country it is removed in favour of more wildlife friendly trees like the Oak, Ash and Hazel, all of which encourage more biodiversity.
In Seeley Copse many Sycamore trees have been cut down in order to give other trees/plants a chance to survive.
Notice the regrowth of multiple stems on this Sycamore stump, all thick and healthy.
In Seeley Copse many Sycamore trees have been cut down in order to give other trees/plants a chance to survive.
Notice the regrowth of multiple stems on this Sycamore stump, all thick and healthy.
Picture showing Dr. Reavey attempting to uproot one of the 'invading weeds', the Sycamore.
References
Greenway, T. (2003) Common British Trees. London:Wayland.
Mitchell, A. (1993) Trees. Surrey: Dragon World.
apps.kew.org/trees
wildaboutbritain.co.uk
www.2020site.org/trees/sycamore.html
www.tree2mydoor.com
www.controlledenvironments.org
www.treesforlife.org.uk
www.hollybank-woods.hampshire.org.uk
Dr. D. Reavey - Senior Lecturer, University of Chichester.
www.2020site.org/trees/sycamore.html
www.tree2mydoor.com
www.controlledenvironments.org
www.treesforlife.org.uk
www.hollybank-woods.hampshire.org.uk
Dr. D. Reavey - Senior Lecturer, University of Chichester.
That's really interesting Gillian. I see both sides of the argument, but I'm thinking if the Sycamore tree is one of the oldest surviving species then surely it must have a role in our ecosystem, other than it's fast growth and reproduction. If not it still is a beautiful looking tree. Thanks for your post though, it certainly serves to draw attention to this deliberation.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I forgot to say which student left this message! - Vicky Mitchell
DeleteYou are right Vicky, it certainly has a role to play, however my research suggests that many people are worried about the Sycamore prevailing at the mercy of other Native trees. Hence some refer to it as a weed. Some experts argue that it is not a weed, but that its proliferation should be closely monitored to ensure that others trees/plants/ seedlings are not starved of sunlight resulting in death.
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