Why are sweet gum trees bad?

Why are sweet gum trees bad?

According to the Lazy Landscaper, these “hard, brown, spiky balls that can create some serious hazards. Not only can they wound you if you slip and fall into them, they can also roll unexpectedly, causing sprained ankles.” Because of their spiky nature, they are difficult to rake up.

Are sweet gum trees good for anything?

Sweet gum wood is commercially used for electronic cabinetry, furniture, doors, millwork and paneling. It is also used to make baskets, railroad ties, crates and pallets. Sweet gum wood is also used to make plywood, veneer and upholstered furniture frames.

Can you eat sweet gum tree fruit?

Are sweetgum tree balls edible? While they’re not edible, the balls can double as spiky mulch to keep animals away from young plants. You can even get creative and use them to make holiday trinkets or decorative balls for bowls.

How much water do sweet gum trees need?

Cultural Requirements for Sweet Gums Next, water the sweet gum tree every day to every three days depending on climate and precipitation in the tree’s first season; afterwards water needs are moderate. Little pruning or fertilization is required. The tree often self-seeds once mature.

Should I cut down my sweet gum tree?

Sweet gum trees become overbearing when their extensive root systems bulge from the ground and interfere with more favorable plants or home foundations. When this happens, homeowners choose to cut them down to avoid further damage.

Can I sell sweet gum balls?

Whichever place you decide to post your ad, take and post a high-quality picture of your sweet gum balls, preferably outside with natural lighting. Prices vary, but you can get as much as $20 for 100 sweet gum balls.

Do squirrels eat sweet gum balls?

Sweet gum balls start out plump and green, but they dry as they mature. The spines become even spinier, and holes open up to reveal seeds inside the balls. These seeds are food for about 25 species of birds, chipmunks and squirrels, says Texas Parks and Wildlife.

How fast do sweet gums grow?

Growth Rate This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year.

Can I burn sweet gum balls?

Fuel for Fire Sweet gum balls do not catch fire very well by themselves and tend to smolder. However, this makes them a great fuel for hobo stoves as they burn hot enough to cook with, but with minimal flame. Tossed into an already hot fire, they’ll burn just fine.

What is the purpose of sweet gum balls?

Tulsa Master Gardener Brian Jervis said sweet gum balls make a good, loose garden mulch, allowing air and water to pass into the soil below but blocking sunlight from reaching germinating weeds at ground level.

Can you burn sweet gum balls?

Is there a male and female sweet gum tree?

Fruit Production Sweetgum trees are not distinctly male or female; they are monoecious plants on which the male flowers pollinate female blossoms without requiring a separate tree nearby for cross-pollination.

What kind of animals live in sweet gum trees?

In the wild, sweet gum trees will provide cover for many forest animals including wood ducks, white tailed deer, mourning doves, beavers and Eastern gray squirrels. Pretty much every part of the sweetgum tree has been found to contain healing properties that can be used for medicinal purposes.

How are the leaves on a sweet gum tree?

Sweet gum tree leaves are large and star shaped, and the bark of this tree is extremely furrowed and not at all smooth. These trees are pretty spectacular to look at (check out our pictures of sweet gum trees!), however due to the spiky tree balls they grow and then promptly drop everywhere, they aren’t exactly barefoot friendly.

How long does a sweet gum tree live?

9. The sweetgum tree won’t flower or produce their gum balls for the first 15 to 20 years of growth, but they will go on to live for 150 to 400 years so there is plenty of time! 10. The sweetgum tree attracts a great deal of wildlife including blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, squirrels, chipmunks and even luna moths.

What can a sweetgum tree be used for?

Pretty much every part of the sweetgum tree has been found to contain healing properties that can be used for medicinal purposes. The sap, resin, leaves and bark can all be used in some way, whether it is as a balm, made into a tea, or even applied directly.