Like any deciduous tree, the American sycamore sheds its leaves every fall, after they turn a lovely golden color. It will also drop seed balls occasionally, although these break apart almost immediately, and as the tree ages, the bark achieves its attractive mottled look by shedding small portions at a time. But the sycamore is no messier than most of the trees that grow in American gardens, and an afternoon with a leaf blower can easily clean up any sheddings or dropped leaves.