My Sweet Gum Tree - Ask Extension
My Sweetgum tree is losing leaves. Most are still green when they fall but not all. We have a few branches that are bare and dead looking. These ar...
Knowledgebase
My Sweet Gum Tree #880463
Asked August 06, 2024, 7:56 PM EDT
My Sweetgum tree is losing leaves. Most are still green when they fall but not all. We have a few branches that are bare and dead looking. These are all on the north side of the tree. Can you tell me what is wrong and how can I fix it?
Umatilla County Oregon
Expert Response
Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar) may lose their leaves due to environmental stress, such as drought or waterlogging. Healthy sweetgum leaves are vibrant, but trees that are losing their leaves may have brown edges, yellow veins, or a distressed appearance. Here are some tips for helping your sweetgum tree retain its leaves:
- Water during hot weather or droughts, make sure your tree gets enough water. Underwatered leaves will become crispy, while overwatered leaves will become soggy. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which can weaken the tree's structure.
- Soil: Improve your tree's soil structure and fertility by mulching and fertilizing. This will help promote healthy root growth and overall tree vigor.
