deciduous tree
Sourwood: pruning, storm risk and removal
Oxydendrum arboreum. Also called Sorrel tree, Lily-of-the-valley tree.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Sourwood at a glance
| Height | 25-50 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 15-25 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 5-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Southeastern and Appalachian United States, from Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Louisiana, on well-drained, acidic soils |
| Roots | Moderately deep and fibrous. The tree does best in acidic, moist, well-drained soil and does not like compaction, drought or soil that stays wet. |
| Wood | Moderately hard and fairly dense. It is not common as firewood, though it burns fine when dry. The tree is better known for its white flowers and the honey bees make from them. |
| Storm risk | lowIt is a smaller tree with moderately strong wood and a narrow crown. Trees stressed by drought, root damage or poor soil can lose limbs or die back. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a sourwood
Best time to prune
Late winter or in the dormant season. Sourwood needs little pruning. Remove dead branches, crossing limbs and weak forks, and keep one main trunk on young trees.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning and topping. Do not remove many live branches at once, and avoid wounds on the trunk, because the tree heals slowly.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with part sun to full sun for best flowers and fall color.
- Water deeply in long dry spells, especially in the first few years.
- Do not compact or change the soil grade under the canopy.
- Enjoy the show. Sourwood has drooping white flower clusters in summer and bright red fall color.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on sourwood
- 1Look for dieback and thin crowns, which often point to drought or root damage.
- 2Check for cankers and old wounds on the trunk.
- 3Watch for fall webworm nests from midsummer into fall and prune them out when they are small.
- 4Wet or heavy clay sites can mean root rot problems at the base.
Removal notes
It is a modest-sized tree, so many jobs are simple, but the tree often leans or grows on a slope in woods. Check for dead or decayed wood before climbing. Wood is medium weight. Stump grinding is usually straightforward.
Wood
Moderately hard and fairly dense. It is not common as firewood, though it burns fine when dry. The tree is better known for its white flowers and the honey bees make from them.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for sourwood
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where sourwood grows
Native range: Southeastern and Appalachian United States, from Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Louisiana, on well-drained, acidic soils
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Sourwood: common questions
Why is it called sourwood?
The leaves have a sour taste. People sometimes chew a leaf on a hike. The name does not mean the tree is sick.
Is sourwood honey real?
Yes. Bees make honey from the flowers in summer, and in the Southern Appalachians it is a well-known local honey.
Why are my sourwood leaves turning brown?
Common causes are drought, hot reflected heat, root damage, soil that stays too wet, or leaf spot. Check the soil moisture and the base of the trunk first, then ask an arborist if it continues.
Does sourwood grow fast?
No. It is slow growing, often about a foot a year or less. It is a good small yard tree because it stays a modest size.
Can sourwood grow in clay or wet soil?
It does better in well-drained, acidic soil. Heavy clay or soggy sites often cause stress and root rot.
When does a sourwood need to be removed?
Usually when it is dead, badly decayed, leaning with soil lifting, or a hazard to a home. A certified arborist can inspect it and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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