If only it was that simple. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to prevent the balls. There is a product that is an ethylene-producing compound, which when sprayed on the tree at bloom will knock the flowers and some leaves off the tree. It will not harm the tree, but it must be applied by a professional arborist (tree care professional). Even if the tree is sprayed, there is no guarantee there will be no gum balls. You may want to learn to live with them.
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I have a large, old sweet gum tree in my back yard. I was told if I put Epsom salts around the tree at a certain time of year, I could prevent the tree from making fruit (balls). Is this true?
Last Updated: December 17, 2007
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