How to Prevent Gum Balls on Trees

The American Sweetgum tree is a popular tree easily recognized by its star-shaped foliage and spiky round fruits. Planted to provide ample shade, the tree is a popular in parks and around homes. In addition to being a good windbreak the sweetgum provides a decorative effect in the fall when the large green leaves turn a brilliant red. But autumn is also the time of year when the sweetgum drops its fruit. The spiked gumballs soon litter the yard, leaving a lumpy surface in its wake that is unattractive and uncomfortable to walk on.

Things You'll Need

• Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) such as Florel
• Water
• Tree sprayer
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Contact your local garden center, the International Society of Arboriculture or the county extension office in the early spring to inquire about the availability of plant growth regulators in your area. Applied in the springtime, these chemicals inhibit the ability of the tree to reproduce, eliminating the formation of flowers and fruit, such as gumballs.

2. Rent or borrow the ladders and tree sprayers used in the application of the product.

3. Observe the trees. To be completely effective, fruit eliminator must be applied when the cluster of flowers are fully formed, but not yet opened. Wait for the blossoms to begin to detach from the surrounding foliage and then apply the growth regulation chemicals.

4. Watch the weather. Once the flowers begin to pull away from the leaves, you will have approximately two weeks to apply the chemicals. Any later and the application will be less effective, allowing the formation of a reduced number of fruits. Ideal application conditions are sunny and warm with the outside temperature between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Combine one quart of fruit eliminator with 10 gallons of water and transfer the mixture to the holding tank of the sprayer. Alternatively, place the chemicals into the storage cup of a hose-end sprayer and adjust the siphon to deliver three ounces of chemical per gallon of water.

6. Don the necessary personal protective gear: chemical resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, heavy socks and shoes with non-slip soles.

7. Apply the growth regulator to the tree, ensuring all branches are completely covered.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove clothing immediately after treatment is complete. Place soiled garments in the laundry and wash in strong detergent with hot water. Wash any exposed body parts with soap and water, rinse thoroughly and repeat to be sure all chemicals have been removed from the skin.

• Discard any clothing or fabric that has been soaked with the fruit eliminator as it is unlikely that normal laundering procedures will completely remove the chemicals.

References

• Florel Plant Growth Regulator
• Sweet Gum Balls Are Not So Sweet
• Treat soon to stop drop of pesky sweetgum balls