Any Way to Degumball a Gumball Tree?

MoonRiver · #1 03/08/10, 06:58 PM

I hate these things. My ground is covered with gumballs and there are still plenty in the trees. Short of cutting them down, is there any way to convince them to not make new gumballs this year?

#2 03/08/10, 07:12 PM

There is a product called "Snipper" that is injected into the trunk every spring and keeps the tree from producing the balls. http://treetech.net/DeflowerA/deflower.htm

MoonRiver · #3 03/08/10, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zong

There is a product called "Snipper" that is injected into the trunk every spring and keeps the tree from producing the balls. http://treetech.net/DeflowerA/deflower.htm

Have you ever used it? Sounds like the timing might be a little tricky.

I think I still have about 5 of them left. I cut several down, but the ones left are all either near power lines or a building.

agmantoo · #4 03/08/10, 09:40 PM

Does the burr/ball look like this
http://flickriver.com/photos/negfoto/4411890793/

Ravenlost · #5 03/08/10, 11:33 PM

You talking about a sweetgum tree?

GoatsRus · #6 03/09/10, 07:15 AM

It's a sweet gum and I have several that line my front yard. They are huge because we live on an old nursery farm and they are part of a row that never got sold. I like the placement of the trees but hate the balls. I'll be watching this thread for solution too.

MoonRiver · #7 03/09/10, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agmantoo

Does the burr/ball look like this
http://flickriver.com/photos/negfoto/4411890793/

yes. Mine look a little different but not much.

MoonRiver · #8 03/09/10, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenlost

You talking about a sweetgum tree?

From the picture and description in wikipedia I believe that is what it is.

#9 03/09/10, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonRiver

Have you ever used it? Sounds like the timing might be a little tricky.

I think I still have about 5 of them left. I cut several down, but the ones left are all either near power lines or a building.

No, I never used it. I talked to the NCSU extension agent who told me about it. I was told that you will be better off paying a tree expert(arborist) to do it. but I'd imagine you could look up the directions without that much trouble.

agmantoo · #10 03/09/10, 07:48 AM

Your choices are limited. The tree is both male and female so it will reproduce the seed balls. Either kill the tree or prepare to rake the burrs. One thing that can give you some comfort is that seldom will the sweet gum be blown down by a storm. I sometimes operate heavy equipment and when I have to push over a sweet gum I know that I am either going to have to dig it out or spend a lengthy time attempting to push a large one over. They have a massive root system. Should you find a solution please share it as I have several sweet gums near my yard. I detest them even though they are beautiful in the Fall.

Fae · #11 03/09/10, 08:20 AM

I have sweet gum with seedballs like that but I also have sycamore that has smooth seedballs. They are beautiful trees and provide such great shade, so I just put up with the seed balls.

MoonRiver · #12 03/09/10, 12:57 PM

I sent an email to TreeStuff asking how many capsules I needed per tree and what equipment I needed. Here is the response:

Quote:

Thank you for writing. The label from Tree Tech says you should use one Snipper capsule every 4 inches around the circumference of the trunk.

Everything you need is included except a drill and mallet. You simply need a cordless drill with an 11/64th drill bit (we usually include this in the order).

Luke Dunlevy
TreeStuff.com
877.408.7337

Note: This has to be done every year.

blooba · #13 03/09/10, 04:19 PM

Birth control for trees, whats next....lol

o&itw · #14 03/09/10, 04:38 PM

I sent an email to TreeStuff asking how many capsules I needed per tree and what equipment I needed. Here is the response:

Quote:
Thank you for writing. The label from Tree Tech says you should use one Snipper capsule every 4 inches around the circumference of the trunk.

Everything you need is included except a drill and mallet. You simply need a cordless drill with an 11/64th drill bit (we usually include this in the order).

Luke Dunlevy
TreeStuff.com
877.408.7337

Note: This has to be done every year.

Let's see, for one tree a foot in diameter, that would be about 36 inches around... divided by 4......would come out to 8 of the (rather ugly) units at $6 a piece... or $50 and shipping.........Hmmmmm