Don’s Expert Answers: Liquidambar height

Question From:
Kevin Phillips in Wodonga, Wodonga Victoria

Nature of problem:
Liquidambar height

Type of Plant (if known):
Healthy condition

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
None

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Loam

How often do you water the plant:
Summer time every second day other times rely on rain

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Minimum 10 hours

How long since you planted it:
Approximately 40 years

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
In the ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
None

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
My concern is tree is getting too tall for its position and causes a lot of trouble with falling leaves and berries in my spouting. I would like to trim back to roof level to eleviate this problem, my house is on two levels so very high at the front near tree. Can I trim back to roof height or should I remove completely and replace with a smaller variety of deciduous tree.
Look forward to your comments many thanks

Answer:
Hi Kevin, This is a problem that only an inspection by a qualified arborist can address. A photo would have helped me a bit. About all that I can say is that old liquidambars often drop huge limbs for no apparent reason. This can cause serious damage. Don