If you’re thinking of planting a sassafras tree, one of your first questions is likely how tall do sassafras trees grow. These native beauties are known for reaching impressive heights, which makes them a standout choice for many landscapes.
Their mature size is a key factor in deciding where to plant them. Getting it right means you’ll enjoy their brilliant fall color and unique mitten-shaped leaves for decades without crowding your property.
How Tall Do Sassafras Trees Grow
On average, a sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) will grow to be between 30 and 60 feet tall. In perfect conditions, they can even soar up to 80 feet or more. Their spread is typically 25 to 40 feet, giving them a pleasing, often irregular, pyramidal shape.
It’s growth rate is considered medium, adding about 1 to 2 feet in height per year once established. This means you’ll see it become a substantial tree in your lifetime, but it won’t overwhelm a space overnight.
Factors That Influence Their Ultimate Height
Not every sassafras will hit 80 feet. Several environmental factors play a huge role in determining your tree’s final stature.
- Sunlight: Full sun is best for maximum growth and height. Trees in partial shade will grow slower and often remain smaller.
- Soil Quality: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic, sandy loam. Rich, deep soil supports taller growth, while poor, compacted, or constantly wet soil will stunt them.
- Climate Zone: Sassafras thrives in USDA zones 4-9. In the warmer southern parts of its range, it often grows taller and faster.
- Competition: A tree in an open field will grow taller and wider than one squeezed in a wooded area competing for light and nutrients.
The Sassafras Growth Habit and Form
Understanding how they grow helps you visualize their place in your yard. Young sassafras trees are usually quite upright. As they mature, their branches spread, creating a broad, rounded crown.
One fascinating characteristic is their tendency to form thickets. The tree sends up suckers from its roots, leading to colonies of multiple trunks. If you want a single, tall tree trunk, you’ll need to prune these suckers away regularly.
Root System Considerations
The root system is shallow and spreading. This is important to note for two reasons. First, it makes them somewhat susceptible to windthrow in very wet soils. Second, you should avoid planting them right next to driveways or sidewalks, as the roots can cause heaving over time.
How to Plant for Maximum Healthy Growth
Giving your sassafras the best start is the surest way to help it reach its full, impressive height potential. Follow these steps.
- Choose the Perfect Spot: Select a location with full sun to partial shade and ample space for its mature width. Remember, this tree needs room.
- Test and Amend Soil: Ensure the soil drains well. If your soil is heavy clay, amend the planting hole generously with compost and some sand to improve drainage.
- Plant Correctly: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root flare should be slightly above the surrounding soil level.
- Water Deeply: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture (but not sogginess) for the first two growing seasons.
- Mulch Wisely: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk, to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Long-Term Care for a Tall, Healthy Tree
Once established, sassafras is remarkably low-maintenance. But a little care goes a long way.
- Watering: Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Usually not necessary in decent soil. If growth seems very slow, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help.
- Pruning: The best time to prune is in late winter. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. To maintain a single trunk, diligently remove root suckers as they appear.
- Pests and Diseases: They have few serious issues. Watch for minor problems like leaf spot or sassafras weevil, but these rarely threaten the tree’s overall health.
Comparing Sassafras to Other Landscape Trees
When planning, it’s useful to see how they stack up against other common choices.
A sassafras will generally grow taller than a Redbud or Dogwood but stays smaller than a massive White Oak or Tulip Poplar. Its multi-season interest—spring flowers, summer fruit, fantastic fall color—makes it a versatile competitor to trees like the Sugar Maple.
Its unique, aromatic leaves and roots are a bonus feature not found in most other shade trees.
Common Mistakes That Limit Growth
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your tree thrives.
- Planting in Too Much Shade: This is the number one reason for stunted growth and poor form.
- Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Sassafras roots will rot in constantly waterlogged soil, quickly killing the tree.
- Ignoring Root Suckers: If you want a classic tree form, you must manage the suckers. Letting them go will create a dense, shrubby thicket instead.
- Planting Too Close to Structures: That 40-foot spread is real. Give it space so you don’t have to over-prune it later, which can ruin its shape.
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
Your tall sassafras won’t just be beautiful; it will be a hub for wildlife. The small blue fruits are a favorite for birds like catbirds and phoebes. Deer will browse the young twigs and leaves. It serves as a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail and promethea moth caterpillers.
By planting one, you’re adding significant ecological value to your local environment.
FAQ About Sassafras Tree Size
How fast does a sassafras tree grow?
They have a medium growth rate, typically gaining 1-2 feet per year under good conditions.
What is the typical sassafras tree height at maturity?
Most mature between 30 and 60 feet tall, with exceptional specimens reaching 80+ feet.
How big do sassafras trees get in terms of width?
Their crown spread is usually 25 to 40 feet wide, so they need plenty of horizontal space.
Can I keep a sassafras tree small?
You can limit its size through pruning and by removing root suckers, but it’s naturally a medium-to-large tree. Choosing a smaller cultivar might be a better option for limited spaces.
What is the growth habit of a sassafras?
It often grows with multiple trunks if suckers are left unchecked, but can be trained to a single, straight trunk. The crown becomes broad and rounded with age.
In conclusion, when you ask “how tall do sassafras trees grow,” the answer is clear: tall enough to make a majestic focal point in your landscape. By selecting the right site and providing simple care, you can grow a healthy sassafras that reaches its full, impressive height, providing beauty and benefits for generations. Their fantastic fall display and wildlife value make the patient wait for their mature size absolutely worth it.