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- Q.Sweet Gum Tree Is Dying - I have a 20 year old sweet gum tree. The leaves started to bud and stopped in the bud ...
- Q.We Have A 42 Yr Old Sweet Gum, 60 Ft Tall. It Is Late May And Small Green Balls Are Dropping. I Don’t Remember Small Balls Dropp - ing in such quantity. Is there a problem? Is it possible to put too much mulch around base? I don’t ...
- Q.Sweet Gum Tree - My sweet gum tree won’t grow; it’s been in the ground for two years. The leaves are really small in ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
May 24, 2020Q.sweet gum tree is dying
I have a 20 year old sweet gum tree. The leaves started to bud and stopped in the bud phase. It has been like this for several weeks and think it is dying. What should I do to help it.
Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 26, 2020
Certified ExpertA.When lichens and moss are found growing prolifically on a plant that also has lots of dead twigs and branches and that produces few, undersized or off color leaves, it is usually a sign that something serious is wrong. In most cases, the tree's problem is in its root system.
I would suggest you have a qualified arborist in to examine the tree or your local cooperative extension agent.https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-leafing-problems.htm
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
May 20, 2021Q.We Have A 42 Yr Old Sweet Gum, 60 Ft Tall. It Is Late May And Small Green Balls Are Dropping. I Don’t Remember Small Balls Dropp
ing in such quantity. Is there a problem? Is it possible to put too much mulch around base? I don’t remember the little balls dropping in such quantity. Is it possible to put too much mulch around base?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 24, 2021
Certified ExpertA.If the mulch is excessively deep, more than 3 or 4 inches, it can smother the roots. Sweetgum trees usually drop seed balls heavily in alternating years.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
June 26, 2022Q.Sweet Gum Tree
My sweet gum tree won’t grow; it’s been in the ground for two years. The leaves are really small in size and some turn yellow. The tree is stunted.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
July 6, 2022
Certified ExpertA.I suggest getting a soil test done to see what might be lacking in the soil. Then you will know what to treat it with. The other plants don't seem to be thriving either.
You can see some of the leaves are yellow with green veins. That indicates chlorosis, or an iron deficiency.
Brown edges on leaves usually means a moisture problem - too much or too little.
I hope you got a fruitless sweet gum tree. If you didn't, I would consider replacing it. They drop large amounts of thorny seed balls that are hard to rake (they catch in the tines) and are hard on lawn mowers. When you step on them accidentally, ouch! I had two at my last house and was so glad to leave them behind when we moved.
I also see yours is planted near a building. Trees should be planted 10 to 15 feet from structures. And sweet gum has shallow roots that can be problematic.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sweetgum/sweetgum-tree-info.htm
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