OUCH! That’s the calm reaction we get to stepping on a sweetgum ball. These unwelcome balls fall off during the early spring time providing a challenge to our patio, driveway and yard. Is there anything you can do to eliminate these pesky sweetgum balls? According to Walter Reeves, author of multi garden books, he says it is possible to eliminate the balls each year, but it is not an easy task. He explains that chemical ethepon (Florel) releases ethylene gas when it is sprayed onto tree branches while the sweetgum flowers are present in the spring. If the Ethylene gas, a strong plant hormone, is applied to the tree's flowers, the gas will cause the flowers to fall off. This process eliminates the sweetgum ball from forming. As Walter says, “The tree will be neutered for the year.” This process is not easy, timing is critical, and it must be completed each spring. It is not a “one and done” process. For most, this process is very impractical and difficult. Instead, consider planting a new tree to take the place of the Sweetgum tree. There are varieties of Sweetgum trees on the market that are fruitless sweetgums. If you do want to spray your trees, Reeves recommends Monterey Florel Fruit Tree & Shrub Growth Regulator. Another option is Snipper, which is an injectable product that de-balls a sweetgum. Reeves also believes that hiring a certified arborist might be the best way to do this.
For me personally, I look for simple ways to eliminate the problem for the long term, therefore I don’t spray Sweetgum trees. At my house I had over 30 Sweetgum trees that provided a great screen between myself and my neighbor. I didn't want to lose that buffer. Every couple of years I remove a Sweetgum tree or two and it has really helped to slow down the “balls” in the yard. As I take out a Sweetgum, I look to promote a new tree or plant a different variety of tree I like for this area. I have used Maples, Magnolias and Yoshiono Cherry trees to date.
Let me know what you are planting to grow today,
Jeff
P. S. It is time to be pruning your roses if you have not already. Click here to learn more.
OUCH! That’s the calm reaction we get to stepping on a sweetgum ball. These unwelcome balls fall off during the early spring time providing a challenge to our patio, driveway and yard. Is there anything you can do to eliminate these pesky sweetgum balls? According to Walter Reeves, author of multi garden books, he says it is possible to eliminate the balls each year, but it is not an easy task. He explains that chemical ethepon (Florel) releases ethylene gas when it is sprayed onto tree branches while the sweetgum flowers are present in the spring. If the Ethylene gas, a strong plant hormone, is applied to the tree's flowers, the gas will cause the flowers to fall off. This process eliminates the sweetgum ball from forming. As Walter says, “The tree will be neutered for the year.” This process is not easy, timing is critical, and it must be completed each spring. It is not a “one and done” process. For most, this process is very impractical and difficult. Instead, consider planting a new tree to take the place of the Sweetgum tree. There are varieties of Sweetgum trees on the market that are fruitless sweetgums. If you do want to spray your trees, Reeves recommends Monterey Florel Fruit Tree & Shrub Growth Regulator. Another option is Snipper, which is an injectable product that de-balls a sweetgum. Reeves also believes that hiring a certified arborist might be the best way to do this.
For me personally, I look for simple ways to eliminate the problem for the long term, therefore I don’t spray Sweetgum trees. At my house I had over 30 Sweetgum trees that provided a great screen between myself and my neighbor. I didn't want to lose that buffer. Every couple of years I remove a Sweetgum tree or two and it has really helped to slow down the “balls” in the yard. As I take out a Sweetgum, I look to promote a new tree or plant a different variety of tree I like for this area. I have used Maples, Magnolias and Yoshiono Cherry trees to date.
Let me know what you are planting to grow today,
Jeff
P. S. It is time to be pruning your roses if you have not already. Click here to learn more.