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 tree’s 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.