If you’re a homeowner who’s been dealing with the nuisance of Sweetgum balls cluttering up your yard and driveway, then you’re probably wondering how to stop them from coming back.
Sweetgum trees are a popular choice for landscaping because of their beautiful foliage, but they can be a real pain when it comes to the balls they produce.
In this article, we’ll explore what Sweetgum trees and balls are, why they are a problem, and what you can do to stop Sweetgum balls from returning.
We’ll delve into the pros and cons of pruning Sweetgum trees and applying chemical growth regulators, so you can decide which is the best way to keep your yard free from Sweetgum balls.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best way to stop a sweetgum tree from producing balls is to prune the tree in late winter or early spring.
This will help to prevent the formation of flower buds that will eventually turn into the balls.
Another option is to hand-pick the balls when they appear and dispose of them.
Finally, you can use a herbicide to kill the tree and prevent the formation of the balls.
What Are Sweetgum Trees?
Sweetgum trees, also known as liquidambar, are a type of deciduous tree native to North America.
They are often found in wooded areas, parks, and residential areas.
Sweetgum trees are known for their strong, straight trunks and attractive foliage, which ranges from light green in the spring to deep red and purple in the fall.
Sweetgum trees are also known for producing round, spiky seed balls, which can be a nuisance when they drop and roll onto lawns.
For this reason, some people prefer to keep sweetgum trees away from their home.
What Are Sweetgum Balls?
Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are a species of deciduous tree native to the eastern and southeastern United States.
While they are beloved for their beautiful foliage, they are also notorious for producing round, spiky balls that can be a nuisance when they drop and roll onto lawns.
These seed balls, sometimes referred to as gumballs, are the fruits of the sweetgum tree and contain numerous seeds that are dispersed by animals or by wind.
The seed balls are typically round and spiky, and can range in size from a few millimeters to over an inch in diameter.
They start off green and turn brown as they mature, eventually dropping to the ground where they can be a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners.
The Problem with Sweetgum Balls
Sweetgum trees are beloved for their attractive foliage and hardiness, but they are also known for producing round, spiky balls that can be a nuisance when they drop and roll onto lawns.
The balls, which are technically called “fruit”, are produced in the spring when the female flowers of the tree turn into seed balls.
These balls can be difficult to clean up and they can easily damage lawn mowers and other yard equipment.
Not to mention, they can be a tripping hazard for those walking on the lawn.
Unfortunately, these balls are a natural part of having a sweetgum tree and there is no way to prevent them from forming.
However, there are ways to reduce the number of balls that are produced, so you can enjoy your sweetgum tree without having to worry about the mess.
Pruning Sweetgum Trees To Stop Ball Production
Pruning is the most effective way to stop a sweetgum tree from producing the pesky round, spiky balls that can be a nuisance when they drop and roll onto lawns.
Pruning should be done in the winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, as it is most effective during this period.
Pruning should be done with care, as it can lead to tree damage or even death if done improperly.
When pruning a sweetgum tree, it is important to identify and remove the female flowers that produce the seed balls.
These can be identified by their small, greenish-yellow color.
For trees that are too tall to reach, a pole pruner or pruning saw can be used to safely reach the highest branches.
If the tree is too large for pruning, then chemical growth regulators such as ethephon or paclobutrazol can be used to stop ball production.
In addition to pruning, it is also important to keep the tree healthy by providing adequate water and fertilizer.
These two factors will help the tree to stay healthy and strong, reducing the chances of ball production.
Additionally, keeping the area around the tree free of debris and weeds can help to reduce the chances of seed balls producing and rolling onto the lawn.
Finally, if you decide to prune the tree, it is important to make sure that you dispose of the pruned branches properly.
All branches should be disposed of in accordance with local laws, and not left in the yard or thrown into streets or waterways.
Using Chemical Growth Regulators To Stop Ball Production
Most sweetgum trees produce small, round, spiky balls, which can be a nuisance when they fall and roll onto lawns.
Luckily, there are ways to stop a sweetgum tree from producing these balls, including pruning the tree and using chemical growth regulators.
Chemical growth regulators can be a good option for those who have trees that are too large or hard to reach with pruning.
These growth regulators can be applied at any time of year and work to reduce the number of seed balls produced by the tree.
The two most popular types of chemical growth regulators for sweetgum trees are ethephon and paclobutrazol.
Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that helps to reduce the production of seed balls by preventing the sweetgum tree from producing female flowers.
This means that the tree will not be able to produce any seed balls, as female flowers are essential for the formation of the balls.
Ethephon is applied to the tree as a spray and is typically applied during the summer months.
Paclobutrazol is another type of plant growth regulator that is often used to control the growth of sweetgum trees.
This chemical slows down the growth of the tree, which can help to reduce the number of seed balls produced.
Paclobutrazol is applied to the tree as a drench or soil injection and is best applied in the late summer or early fall.
Using chemical growth regulators is an effective way to stop a sweetgum tree from producing seed balls, but it is important to read and follow the instructions on the products label carefully.
It is also important to note that these growth regulators may not be effective on all varieties of sweetgum trees.
Additionally, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of using chemical growth regulators, as they can have an adverse effect on beneficial insects and other wildlife.
When to Prune or Apply Chemical Growth Regulators
Pruning and applying chemical growth regulators are the two most effective methods of preventing sweetgum trees from producing seed balls.
Pruning should be done in the winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.
This is the best time to prune since the tree is not actively growing and wont be affected as much by the removal of branches.
During this time, simply remove the female flowers before they turn into seed balls.
Chemical growth regulators, such as ethephon or paclobutrazol, can be applied to the tree at any time of year.
This is a good option for trees that are hard to reach or too large to prune.
For best results, these products should be applied once the tree starts to bud in the spring and then again at the end of the summer.
This will help reduce the number of seed balls produced.
While chemical growth regulators are effective, they should be used with caution as they can also have negative effects on other plants in the area.
Pros and Cons of Pruning or Applying Chemical Growth Regulators
Pruning is the most effective method for stopping a sweetgum tree from producing balls, but it can take a lot of time and effort.
Pruning should only be done in the winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, and the cut branches must be disposed of properly.
Pruning can also damage the trees shape if it is not done correctly, which is why it is best to consult a professional arborist before attempting to prune a sweetgum tree.
On the other hand, applying chemical growth regulators is a good option for trees that are too large or hard to reach.
Chemical growth regulators are available in both liquid and granular form and can be applied at any time of year.
While chemical growth regulators are effective, they can also be dangerous if not used with caution.
Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully, and make sure to wear protective gear when handling the chemicals.
Additionally, chemical growth regulators can have a negative effect on other nearby plants, so be sure to take this into consideration before applying them.
Final Thoughts
Sweetgum trees can be a big problem due to the round, spiky balls they produce.
To stop them from producing these balls, you can either prune the tree to remove the female flowers or use a chemical growth regulator.
Pruning is the most effective method, but it should only be done in the winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.
Chemical growth regulators can be applied at any time of year and are a good option for trees that are hard to reach or too large to prune.
So if you’re looking for a way to stop a sweetgum tree from producing balls, now you know the best methods that will give you the best results.