Sweet gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are widespread deciduous trees recognized for their distinct star-shaped leaves and unique, spiky, spherical fruits. These characteristic fruits often spark questions and concerns for property owners.
Understanding Sweet Gum Balls
Sweet gum balls are the tree’s fruit, serving a vital function in its reproductive cycle. Each “ball” is a multiple fruit, developing from a cluster of individual female flowers that fuse together. These fruits are composed of numerous woody capsules, each containing one or two small, winged seeds.
Sweet gum balls typically measure 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and have a hard, woody, spiky exterior. This spiky surface protects developing seeds, shielding them from foraging animals until mature and ready for dispersal. Their primary purpose is to protect and distribute the tree’s genetic material.
When Sweet Gum Balls Fall
Sweet gum balls generally begin their descent from trees in late autumn and continue through winter. This shedding process usually starts around October and can extend into December. While the peak drop occurs in late fall and early winter, some fruits may remain on the tree or fall in successive waves until early spring.
Several factors influence the timing and quantity of fruit drop. Weather conditions play a role; strong winds, heavy rains, or freezing temperatures can dislodge mature fruits, accelerating their fall. The tree’s health and age can also affect when the balls are released. As fruits mature, they naturally detach, with the drying process causing them to eventually split open and release their tiny, winged seeds.
Managing Sweet Gum Balls
Dealing with fallen sweet gum balls can be a recurring task for homeowners due to their spiky nature and quantity. Common removal methods include raking with a close-toothed rake or using a powerful leaf blower to gather them into piles. For larger areas, specialized lawn vacuums or mowers equipped with baggers can effectively pick up the debris. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the spiky balls to prevent injury.
Leaving sweet gum balls on the ground can create a tripping hazard on lawns, sidewalks, and driveways, and they can also hinder grass growth. Preventing fruit production is challenging, but some measures exist. Pruning lower branches can sometimes help, but a more significant solution involves growth regulators. These chemical treatments, such as ethephon (Florel) or indole-3-butyric acid (Snipper), are applied by professional arborists during the tree’s flowering stage in spring to reduce fruit set. Their precise timing aims to cause flowers to drop before fruit can fully develop.