People rarely have nuanced opinions about sweetgum trees – you either love ‘em or you hate ‘em!
But whether your feelings tend toward the sweet or the sour, one thing is for sure: Sweetgums can certainly cause problems in some places.
We’ll share some of the most common sweetgum problems below, so that you can keep a better eye on your trees, spot potential problems while they’re still treatable, and know when you need to get professional help.
As a proud owner of a beautiful sweet gum tree, it can be worrying to notice signs that it may be in decline. Sweet gum trees are stunning additions to any landscape with their dazzling fall foliage, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of a dying tree and take action before it’s too late. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key steps for identifying and addressing the common causes of sweet gum tree decline.
Understanding Sweet Gum Trees
Sweet gum trees, scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua, are deciduous trees native to the eastern United States and parts of Mexico They can grow 60-100 feet tall and spread 40-50 feet wide when fully mature Sweet gums thrive in moist, acidic soil and are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Sweet gum is prized for its maple-like star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall The bark is gray-brown with deep furrows and corky ridges Fruits are spiky round seed pods that persist through winter.
Signs Your Sweet Gum is Dying
Catching problems early is key to saving a struggling sweet gum tree. Here are the most common signs that a sweet gum may be dying:
- Sparse, thinning canopy with dieback in the upper branches
- Smaller than normal leaves that are pale, yellowed, or brown
- Dead or dying twigs and small branches
- Peeling bark with lesions or discoloration
- Mushrooms or fungal growth at tree base
- Oozing sap from cracks or holes in bark
- Lack of new growth and leaf buds in spring
If you spot any of these warning signs, it means your tree is under stress and intervention is needed.
Common Causes of Sweet Gum Decline
Several issues can trigger the decline of a previously healthy sweet gum tree. Being aware of the possible causes will help you diagnose the problem and find the right solution.
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Improper planting: Sweet gum planted outside its preferred climate zone or in poorly draining soil.
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Drought stress: Lack of sufficient water during hot, dry periods.
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Compacted soil: Preventing roots from absorbing oxygen and water.
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Disease Fungal infections like verticillium wilt canker diseases and root rot.
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Pest damage: Borers, webworms, aphids, and other harmful insects.
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Storm damage: Wounds from heavy winds, hail, or lightning strikes.
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Root disturbance: Trenching, construction, or soil grade changes.
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Old age: Sweet gum lives 80-150 years on average.
Steps for Diagnosing a Dying Sweet Gum
To pinpoint the cause of your sweet gum’s decline, inspect it carefully and consider recent weather or environmental factors:
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Look for patterns of dieback in certain areas, like a disease spreading from infection sites.
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Check the base of trunk for mushrooms, conks, oozing sap, or discolored bark indicating fungal infection.
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Monitor for pests like tent caterpillars that may be defoliating branches.
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Examine leaves for spots, wilts/blights, mining trails, or sticky coating of honeydew from insect pests.
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Note any digging, mowing, or construction that may have damaged roots.
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Review rainfall and temperatures compared to normal patterns to check for drought stress.
If the cause remains unclear, have an arborist inspect the tree and perform diagnostic tests. They can assess the roots and take samples to identify diseases.
How to Revive a Dying Sweet Gum Tree
If caught early while the tree still has some living tissue, it may be possible to nurse a declining sweet gum tree back to health. Here are some revival methods to try:
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Water deeply during drought and continue supplemental watering.
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Mulch around tree to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
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Fertilize conservatively with a balanced organic fertilizer to aid recovery.
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Aerate compacted soil and avoid further compaction around roots.
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Treat diseases and pests using integrated pest management and recommended fungicides.
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Prune dead branches to promote new growth. Avoid excessive pruning.
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Consider transplanting the tree to a new site if the current location is problematic.
Knowing When It’s Time to Remove a Sweet Gum
If the sweet gum tree is severely declining with over 50% dieback or major root/trunk damage, removal may be the best option. Warning signs it’s too late to save the tree:
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Pervasive fungal fruiting structures indicating advanced disease
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Extensive bark loss with no new growth from the cambium
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Major limbs are dead or hazardous branches pose a safety risk
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Tree is leaning dramatically and roots are lifting from the ground
Get an arborist’s assessment if you are unsure whether the sweet gum can recover. They can advise if removal and replacement is the right decision.
Preventing Sweet Gum Tree Decline
While even healthy trees eventually decline, proper care from the start is key to maximizing your sweet gum’s lifespan and beauty. Follow these best practices:
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Select disease-resistant sweet gum varieties appropriate for your climate.
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Plant in well-draining soil with adequate space to develop.
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Stake newly planted trees to avoid wind rock and root damage.
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Water deeply during dry periods, especially in early years.
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Apply 2-3” organic mulch, pulling back from trunk.
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Prune judiciously to improve structure and air circulation.
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Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly if found.
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Fertilize in early spring every 2-3 years with a balanced organic formula.
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Protect trunk and roots from mower/string trimmer damage.
By providing attentive care tailored to its needs, your sweet gum will thrive for decades to come, rewarding you with its outstanding fall color year after year. Be vigilant in monitoring its health and addressing problems promptly when they arise. With some TLC, your beloved tree will continue gracing your landscape with its beauty for generations.
Common Problems of Sweet Gum Trees
Sweet gum trees may encounter several problems that can contribute to their decline. By understanding these issues, you can identify the signs of a dying tree and take appropriate action. Lets explore some common problems that sweet gum trees may face:
Sweet gum trees are susceptible to developing surface roots in compacted soils. This can hinder their ability to absorb nutrients and water efficiently. If you notice surface roots near the base of the tree, it may be an indication of soil compaction.
Solution: To address this issue, consider aerating the soil around the tree to improve its drainage and root health. Avoid heavy foot traffic or construction near the tree, as it can further compact the soil.
Sweet gum trees have adapted to different climates across the United States. Seeds produced by trees in the South are better suited for warmer regions, while those from the North can tolerate colder temperatures. If you have planted a sweet gum tree from the wrong region, it may struggle to survive.
Solution: When selecting a sweet gum tree, ensure that it is appropriate for your specific climate. Consult with a local nursery or arborist to determine the best variety for your area.
Chlorosis, characterized by yellowing leaves with green veins, can indicate an iron deficiency in sweet gum trees. This condition often occurs when the soil becomes too alkaline, making it difficult for the tree to absorb sufficient iron.
Solution: To alleviate chlorosis, you can make the soil more acidic by applying powdered sulfur or used coffee grounds. Avoid using limestone or wood ashes as soil amendments, as they can increase soil alkalinity.
In areas with mild falls, sweet gum trees may experience new growth that is susceptible to frost damage. Frost can cause the tips of branches, buds, and twigs to turn black, resulting in a wilted appearance.
Solution: Prevent frost damage by refraining from fertilizing the tree with quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer in the fall. This will help avoid stimulating new growth that is vulnerable to frost. Instead, focus on providing proper care and protection during cold weather.
Sweet gum trees can fall victim to caterpillars and larvae of moths, such as tent caterpillars and bagworms. These pests feed on the foliage, chewing holes in the leaves and potentially defoliating entire branches.
Solution: If you notice caterpillar infestations, consider using environmentally-friendly methods to control the pests, such as handpicking or introducing natural predators. In severe cases, consult with a local arborist for appropriate pest management strategies.
Bleeding necrosis is a fungal disease that affects sweet gum trees, characterized by dark stains on the bark near the soil line. The inner bark may exhibit a dark reddish-brown stain, and pockets of white crystalline substance may develop within the tissues.
Solution: Unfortunately, there is no known cure for bleeding necrosis. It is crucial to remove and destroy the infected tree to prevent the spread of the disease. If you suspect bleeding necrosis in your sweet gum tree, contact a professional arborist for guidance.
American Sweetgum Tree Facts & Figures: The Basics
Sweetgum trees – known to arborists as Liquidambar styracifula — are impressive deciduous trees that are native to large portions of North and Central America.
They’re commonly planted for shade and ornamental purposes throughout the southeastern United States, and they’re also important timber trees in some areas.
Some of the basic facts about sweetgums include:
- Height: 75 feet or more (it grows tallest in forest environments)
- Crown Spread: 50 feet or more (though some cultivars have a slender silhouette)
- Trunk Diameter: 12 to 48 inches
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5B through 10A
- Growth Rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
- Fall Color: Showy red, yellow, or orange, or maroon leaves
- Light Requirements: Partial to full sun
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate
How to Spot the Warning Signs: Dead, Dying or Hazardous Trees
FAQ
How to tell if a sweetgum tree is dying?
- You See Sticks Everywhere on the Ground. When a tree sheds sticks all the time, it’s a sure sign that it’s not healthy. …
- The Bark Is Falling Off. …
- You Can See Rot or Fungus. …
- The Tree Is Leaning. …
- Open Wounds. …
- No Leaves. …
- Termites Or Other Pests. …
- Root Damage.
What does a dead gum tree look like?
You can tell a gum tree is dying if you notice signs like a crown die-bark, cracks on the trunk, too much deadwood, parched soil, weak, brown, or spotted leaves, and pests.
What kills sweet gum trees?
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Growing Deer TVhttps://www.growingdeer.tvWhat herbicide works well to control sweetgum trees? • Hunting Advice and Tips For Serious Deer And Turkey HuntersOct 19, 2015
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DoMyOwnhttps://www.domyown.comIs there anything I can spray for sweet gum trees and not kill the pine trees?
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My Land Planhttps://mylandplan.orghow do i keep sweet gum trees out my woods – My Land PlanProbably the best way to initially kill sweetgum is with a chemical called Arsenal. Depending on the size of the trees it can be injected or if small seedling/s…
Do sweet gum trees fall easily?
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Water Stress:Sweet gums can react to drought conditions by cutting off the water supply to large branches, causing them to be shed, says naturalcontentllc.com.
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Rapid Growth:Some hypothesize that rapid growth can strain branch structures, increasing the likelihood of limb drop.
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Internal Decay:Fungal or bacterial infections can weaken branches, making them more susceptible to falling.
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Wind and Storm Damage:While not the primary cause of Sudden Limb Drop, wind and storms can exacerbate branch failures.