Should I Cut Down My Hazardous Sweet Gum Tree that Drops Nuisance Sweet Gum Balls in Fayetteville, GA?

One of Georgia’s local tree species is the Liquidambar Styraciflua, or better known as the Sweet gum tree. The sweet gum tree is a local favorite. During the fall their leaves turn amazing colors such as a scarlet red, yellow, orange and purples. Not only do locals love these trees but so does the surrounding wildlife. You will often find birds, chipmunks and squirrels living high in the wweet gum tree’s branches. Milam’s Tree Service would like to share how to grow and care for these amazing trees.

Sweet Gum Tree Identification & Problems that Make These Trees Hazardous

A sweet gum tree is a tall tree with a single straight trunk that is capable of growing 75 feet tall. The sweet gum tree has a pyramidal shaped canopy. As the sweet gum trees age they become more rounded. Local residents love sweet gum trees as they make wonderful shade trees with their 4 to 7 inch star shaped leaves. In the fall, the sweet gum tree leaves change into brilliant colors. The sweet gum tree gets their name by their unique seed pods that are sticky and round like a gumball. The sweet gum tree is most often planted as a street tree. However, they are well known for their shallow root system and can lift up roads and sidewalks. For commercial and residential properties, consider planting at least 10 feet away from roads, building and pavement. Additionally, the sweet gum balls AKA seed pods are super sticky and can be hazardous if they fall on sidewalks and driveways. Make sure the trees are planted away from high traffic areas. Additionally, make sure to remove the seed pods every year as they can germinate and grow rather quickly and are known to be an invasive species. When growing a sweet gum tree for the first time, you will want to plant the tree in full sun or in partially shaded areas. Sweet gum trees are durable trees that can grow in any soil including in sand and clay with high levels of acid to low levels of alkaline. To encourage a deeper root system it is recommended to plant them in moist soil. Sweet gum trees can grow in hardiness zones 5 through 9, which makes them an adaptable tree species. They do require a lot of water to establish a healthy root system. Once they mature they are tolerable to drought or flood conditions. Once sweet gum trees are fully mature, they don’t require a lot of care. They don’t require fertilizers every year and don’t require a lot of pruning. However, younger trees do require pruning, mostly for shaping to encourage healthy tree growth. However, you will need to rake leaves and remove seed pods which can become a major task. In some communities, sweet gum trees have been branded a “nuisance” and “hazardous” due to the sweet gum balls blocking up sewer inlets as well as causing a trip and fall hazard.

Tree Trimming, Pruning, Hazardous Removal & More in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, Hampton, Sunny Side GA | Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties, Georgia

Sweet gum trees can be difficult to prune if branches get too close to a home or building. Additionally, due to their shallow root system, an unhealthy tree can become hazardous. When you have a sweet gum tree in your yard or on your commercial property, and need help maintaining or removing unhealthy trees, contact Milam’s Tree Service. We provide many services from tree pruning, emergency removal and more. For quality tree service, contact Milam’s Tree Service today.

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