Sweet gum trees are a beloved addition to a home landscape, providing shade, beauty, and a unique texture to any yard.
But when a sweet gum tree starts to show signs of distress, it’s important to act quickly.
Knowing how to tell if a sweet gum tree is dying and being aware of the causes of death for sweet gum trees can help you take the right steps to preserve your beloved tree.
In this article, we’ll provide the answers you need, from how to diagnose a dying sweet gum tree and treating it, to prevention tips and when to call a professional.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To tell if a sweet gum tree is dying, look for signs of dead branches, wilting or discolored leaves, discolored bark, and mushrooms or other fungi growing around the base of the trunk.
Additionally, if the tree has been declining in health for a few years, it may have a sparse canopy or a thinning crown.
If the tree does not respond to pruning, fertilizing, and watering, it may be dying or dead.
Finally, if you are still unsure, it is best to contact an arborist for an accurate diagnosis.
What Is a Sweet Gum Tree?
A sweet gum tree is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern United States and is commonly found in parts of the Midwest and Southeast.
It is a medium- to large-sized tree, growing up to 60 feet tall and spreading 30 feet wide.
Its leaves are star-shaped and light green in color.
It produces small, spiky fruits in the late summer and fall that are often used for decorative purposes.
The bark of the sweet gum tree is gray or brown and has distinctive furrows or ridges.
The sweet gum tree is a popular ornamental tree, prized for its attractive foliage and shape.
It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is generally considered to be a low-maintenance tree.
It is also relatively disease- and pest-resistant, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a beautiful tree without a lot of upkeep.
Despite its hardiness, however, a sweet gum tree can still succumb to disease or other environmental issues, which can be difficult to detect without close inspection.
Signs of a Dying Sweet Gum Tree
When it comes to identifying a dying sweet gum tree, there are several signs to look out for.
The first sign to be aware of is yellowing or wilting leaves.
This is a common symptom of stress in trees, and it can be a sign that something is wrong.
Wilting leaves can also be a sign of water stress, as the tree may not be getting enough water.
Another sign to look out for is bark that is cracking or peeling away.
This can be a sign of a fungal disease, or it may be caused by environmental stress, such as drought or extreme temperatures.
Additionally, dead or dying twigs and branches can be a sign that the tree is in distress.
Finally, a weakened or compromised root system can also be a sign that the tree is in trouble.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover.
Pruning dead and dying branches, fertilizing the soil, and providing additional water can all help the tree recover.
Causes of Death for Sweet Gum Trees
Sweet gum trees are susceptible to a variety of environmental and biological factors that can cause them to die.
Environmental stresses such as drought, flooding, extreme temperatures, and soil conditions can all contribute to the death of a sweet gum tree.
Additionally, if the tree is planted in an area with poor drainage, the roots may not be able to access the moisture they need to survive, leading to death.
Infectious diseases can also be a cause of death for sweet gum trees.
Common diseases that can cause death in sweet gum trees include verticillium wilt, root rot, and cankers.
These diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria that attack the tree, causing it to become weakened and unable to absorb nutrients and water from the soil.
Insects can also cause significant damage to sweet gum trees, leading to their death.
Common insects that attack sweet gum trees include aphids, scale, borers, and bark beetles.
These insects feed on the trees leaves, bark, and roots, weakening it and reducing its ability to absorb essential nutrients.
Finally, sweet gum trees can be affected by mechanical damage, such as damage caused by lawn mowers or other machinery.
If the tree is damaged, it can become weakened and unable to absorb nutrients, leading to its death.
How to Diagnose a Dying Sweet Gum Tree
If you suspect that your sweet gum tree is dying, the best way to diagnose the problem is to look for signs of distress.
While trees can suffer from a variety of issues, there are some telltale signs that can indicate when a sweet gum tree is in trouble.
One of the first signs of a dying sweet gum tree is yellowing leaves.
This is usually an indication that the tree is not receiving enough water or nutrients, or that it is suffering from a disease or pest infestation.
If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover.
Wilting branches are another sign that a sweet gum tree may be in distress.
If the trees branches are drooping and wilting, this could be an indication of a water shortage or root rot.
If you notice that the branches are wilting, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover, such as providing additional water or applying fertilizer to the soil.
In addition to yellowing leaves and wilting branches, you should also look out for bark that is cracking or peeling away.
This could be caused by a number of factors, such as insect infestations, disease, or even a lack of water.
If you notice that the bark on your tree is cracking or peeling away, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover.
Finally, you should also look for dead or dying twigs and branches.
These can be an indication of several problems, from disease to pests or even a lack of water.
If you notice that some of the twigs and branches on your tree are dead or dying, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover, such as pruning dead or dying branches and providing additional water and fertilizer.
These are some of the signs that can indicate when a sweet gum tree is in trouble.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover, such as pruning dead or dying branches, fertilizing the soil, and providing additional water.
With the right care and attention, your sweet gum tree can have a healthy and long life.
Treating a Dying Sweet Gum Tree
It can be heartbreaking to discover that your beloved sweet gum tree is dying.
But the good news is that there are steps you can take to help it recover.
Pruning dead and dying branches is the first step in treating a dying sweet gum tree.
This will remove any diseased or damaged parts of the tree that may be preventing it from thriving.
Additionally, it will encourage new growth and help the tree heal itself.
Fertilizing the soil is another important step to take when treating a dying sweet gum tree.
Sweet gum trees require nitrogen-rich soils, so using a fertilizer high in nitrogen is essential.
Additionally, adding compost to the soil will help to improve its quality and provide additional nutrients for the tree.
Finally, providing supplemental water is also important when treating a dying sweet gum tree.
Sweet gum trees require a lot of water to stay healthy, so providing additional water during times of drought or extreme heat is essential.
Deep watering is also recommended, as this will help the roots absorb more of the water and provide the tree with more of the nutrients it needs.
By taking these steps, you will be helping your sweet gum tree to recover and live a long and healthy life.
However, if the tree is too far gone, it may be necessary to remove it from your yard and replace it with a new one.
In this case, it is important to consult with an arborist or tree care professional to get advice on the best course of action.
Prevention of Sweet Gum Tree Death
Preventing the death of a sweet gum tree is the best way to ensure its continued health and beauty.
While it is impossible to guarantee that a tree will remain healthy, there are steps that can be taken to increase the chances of its survival.
First and foremost, it is essential to provide the tree with adequate light, water, and nutrients.
Trees need plenty of sunlight and water in order to grow and thrive, and they also need nutrients from the soil to stay healthy.
Regular fertilizing of the soil, along with mulching and pruning, can help to provide the tree with the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
Second, it is important to protect the tree from pests and diseases.
Pests such as borers, aphids, and scale can quickly damage the trees foliage and lead to death.
Proper pruning and plant selection can help to reduce the risk of pest and disease infestations.
Additionally, the use of insecticides and fungicides can help to control pests and diseases, although it should be used with caution and only when needed.
Finally, it is important to monitor the trees health.
Checking for signs of distress such as yellowing leaves, wilting branches, and cracking bark can help to identify problems before they become too severe.
If any of these signs are noticed, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover, such as pruning dead and dying branches, fertilizing the soil, and providing additional water.
By taking the time to monitor the trees health, it is possible to help ensure its continued health and beauty.
When to Call a Professional
If you have identified signs of a dying sweet gum tree, it is important to take steps to help the tree recover.
However, it is also important to know when it is time to call a professional.
If your tree has significant signs of distress, such as extensive yellowing of leaves, wilting branches, and bark that is cracking or peeling away, you should consider calling a certified arborist for help.
An arborist is a tree specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat tree health issues.
If you are uncertain about the health of your tree, call a professional to inspect it.
An arborist can help you determine the best course of action to help your tree recover.
They can provide advice on how to prune dead or dying branches, fertilize the soil, and water the tree correctly.
They can also advise on whether tree removal is necessary or if there are other options to help the tree recover.
If you have identified signs of a dying tree, it is best to call an arborist as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the more likely the tree is to suffer further damage or die.
An arborist can help you determine the best course of action to help your tree recover and ensure that you are taking steps to protect your tree.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to recognize the signs of a dying sweet gum tree is an important part of being a responsible tree owner.
If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed, take steps to help the tree recover, such as pruning dead and dying branches, fertilizing the soil, and providing additional water.
If the tree does not show signs of improvement, it may be necessary to call a professional arborist for assistance.
With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your sweet gum tree remains healthy and vibrant for many years to come.