Composting Sweetgum Balls: Challenges and Creative Uses

Sweetgum balls (spiky fruit of Liquidambar styraciflua) are a landscape nuisance. Can they be composted? Consensus is mixed.

The Challenge

Woody, tough, slow to decompose. Purists: hot compost pile (>100°F/37°C), diligent turning/watering, patience. Cool piles won't break them down—may sprout volunteers.

Unexpected Benefit

Resulting rough compost deters rabbits, slugs, pests—unpleasant on their feet/undersides. Not pretty mulch, but functional barrier.

Historical note: Cherokee used infertile seeds (high shikimic acid) for flu tea. Modern Tamiflu derives from same compound.