The sweetgum tree is commonly known in North America and is no longer a speci alty. In this country, however, it enjoys a reputation as a popular ornamental tree. But is it susceptible to diseases and can pests appear?
What diseases can occur in the sweetgum tree?
Amber tree diseases are rare and are usually due to care errors or poor choice of location. Typical symptoms include leaf loss, yellowish coloring and drying buds. Root rot can occur when waterlogging occurs, while young trees are susceptible to aphids and leaf miners.
No specific diseases for sweetgum trees
There are no specific diseases that commonly affect sweetgum trees. As a rule, malformed plant parts and a dismal appearance are due to care errors. Diseases that occur more often in similar-looking trees such as maples, such as powdery mildew, are also not known in sweetgum trees.
Sick appearance as a result of care errors and poor choice of location
If your sweetgum tree looks sick, there could be various reasons behind it. Sweetgum trees are considered quite demanding when it comes to location. They need a sunny, warm place to thrive. In the shade they lead a miserable existence and barely grow.
The soil is also important when choosing a location. A sweetgum tree needs a loose and permeable substrate. Compacted soil can quickly become wet. Furthermore, these trees do not tolerate alkaline soils. They also quickly notice a lack of nutrients.
When it comes to care, things can quickly go wrong when watering and fertilizing. The soil must be neither too dry nor too wet. If there is too little moisture in the soil, the sweetgum tree will die. A nutrient deficiency only becomes clear after a few years.
Common symptoms of sweetgum trees
The following symptoms may occur:
- Severe leaf loss (especially in drought)
- Leaves turn yellowish early (especially when wet and nutrient deficient)
- Buds dry up without the leaves opening
- hardly grows
- dies
Root rot can occur
When sweetgum trees are overwatered, they are prone to root rot. Then with potted plants you have to repot them quickly. Outdoor plants should be transplanted when they are still young. However, sweetgum trees can often no longer be helped when root rot occurs
Young trees are susceptible to aphids and leaf miners
Sometimes young sweetgum trees are attacked by aphids. These particularly like to settle on the leaf veins, as these are the juiciest. Miner moths also appear from time to time. As a rule, the infestation is not serious.
Tip
If a disease does spread to the leaves, you can simply cut off the affected parts and dispose of them with household waste.