Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree

A tall, columnar beauty with stunning fall color

The Tupelo Tower offers all the beloved traits of black gum trees while adding an elegant, space-saving columnar shape. This unique selection boasts exceptional fall foliage, transitioning through vibrant yellows, oranges, and deep reds, making it a spectacular focal point in any landscape. With its impressive height and slender form, it fits perfectly into tighter spaces, whether it’s lining a driveway or standing proudly as a feature in a smaller yard.

As a native tree, black gums make a wonderful shade or street trees, dazzling homeowners with their leaves with also providing a valuable habitat to songbirds. Easily grown in moist, acidic soils, black gums are well adapted to wet and even poorly drained soils, making it a great choice for clay, low spots, or areas with standing water. Planting the The Tupelo Tower means knowing your investment will deliver beauty while benefiting your local ecosystem year after year.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two times as wide to promote healthy root development. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and spread a 3 layer of mulch three feet around the tree. Water thoroughly.

2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a robust root system. Once established, the Tupelo Tower is relatively drought-tolerant, but a consistent deep watering during dry spells will keep it healthy.

3. Pruning: Yearly pruning is necessary to promote good structure and form, especially for the first decade of the trees life. Prune in late winter to maintain a central leader and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. After a few years, begin to remove limbs for clearance underneath the canopy.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Follow the package instructions for the recommended amount based on the tree’s size.