Sweet Gum Tree Balls Getting Rid Of

Round spiny fruits or balls that litter the ground making a simple walk across the yard a precarious one.

Sweet gum tree balls getting rid of. By mid fall the balls are dead and seedless. Summer shade and vibrant fall leaf color are merits of the sweet gum tree liquidambar styraciflua. The spiky seed pods of the sweetgum tree are a nuisance to many gardeners. Most lawn mower vacuum systems clog up with the sweetgum balls and a standard mower shoots them out.

The us seems full of horror stories about it cracking drains. The tree is beautiful and offers lots of shade so i wouldn t mind keeping it but we absolutely detest the spiny little balls that are covering our back yard. Best way to get rid of sweet gum tree balls raking or blowing. The tradeoff for these perks is a source of aggravation for some gardeners.

The sweet gum tree s roots form a wide network and the roundup with get into the ground and groundwater and destroy other trees and plants as well. You could also resort to keeping your garden beds looking fuller by the day by adding the gum balls to the mulch. Chemical treatments however can stop a tree s fruit production which keeps the lawn free of that litter. Put the spiny balls to good use by using them as a mulch to keep pests like slugs snails and rabbits out of your garden.

Raking with a tine rake and bagging is a successful way of removing sweet gum balls and getting your. If we were to cut the tree down which would be a shame i have also read mention that the roots which possibly extend under the house would be a nightmare to get rid of and would sprout up if that is the term. Most lawn mower vacuum systems get clogged up with the sweet gum balls and a standard mower fires them. Rake the sweet gum balls into a pile with a standard leaf rake.

It is theoretically possible to eliminate the balls each year but it is a difficult process. Continuing with the routine of picking up the balls once in a week is the easiest way of getting rid of these balls and keeping your yard clean. The spiky clusters are actually balls of fruit with tiny seeds inside that birds and squirrels snack on. Advertisement after the tree is down severing a couple of the main roots will destroy what is left and make them easier to remove with equipment.

Any thoughts on this type of tree and proximity to houses. Just like leaves they must fall so the tree can prep for new growth.