Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Sycamore 'propeller' seeds in my leafmould

Bobby BoyBobby Boy Posts: 17
in Problem solving

I have two large Sycamore trees overlooking my garden. They are currently shedding loads of leaves and their ‘propeller’ seeds.

I’d like to collect the leaves for leafmould but it's impossible to separate the seeds from the leaves.

I’m concerned that the seeds might germinate either when the leafmould is developing or after it’s been spread in my borders when matured.

The Sycamore seeds are a nuisance at the best of times but the trees are protected by a Tree Protection Order.

Does anyone have any helpful ideas?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I never had a problem with them [the seeds] when I had large maples in my garden, and I always did leaf mould with them.
    I think all you can do is wait until you use it, and nip them out if they germinate - just as you would when they seed into a border or a path etc.
    Last year was a mast year for them, so you may find it's not going to be a regular problem anyway with your leaf mould  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    We have the same problem with Beech nuts, Holly and Yew. They rarely grow in the leaf mould, but they do come up in the garden itself. I think the best conditions for making leaf mould stop most of the seeds from germinating.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I had a few sycamores come up in the leaf mould (and I must have about a tonne of it) but they aren't really a problem. A lot of the leaves were from sycamores but it takes a long time for them to become a massive tree.
  • Bobby BoyBobby Boy Posts: 17

    Thanks to everyone who has answered. I can’t help but think that Sycamores are just oversized weeds.

    I’ll contact the council to see if they will allow a reduction in the volume of foliage.🤞🏻

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Are the trees growing in your garden, or on council-owned land (or someone else's land)? And how close are they to your house? A safety concern is more likely to get the council's attention than just being a nuisance for your garden. If a limb were to fall in high winds, could it hit a person in the street, or damage your buildings or a vehicle on your drive?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Turning the compost heap.  Then hand pulling.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Sign In or Register to comment.