Redgum Tree Producing Unusual Number Of Gumnuts

Question

We have a 30m tall, ~80-year-old red gum tree in our yard. Every year it produces a batch of gum nuts at the beginning of summer, but this year it produced about 10 times the normal amount. Our back deck is a carpet of nuts and the pool filter fills up daily. What’s causing this? Is the tree in trouble?

Answer 1

I can only think of a few possibilities because of the age of the tree. These specimens can live for around 200 years in perfect conditions. This leads me to believe that there is disease, root constriction, or some disturbance that is stressing the tree's root system. Check for other signs of damage, such as insect or pest, and signs of fungal or bacterial damage. If these are not visible then you may want to have someone from your local extension service come out and examine the tree, more closely.

This can help you find your nearest local extension service:

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/about-extension/united-states-extension-offices.aspx