Eliminating Sweetgum Balls: Fruitless Cultivar Option

Owner of 25–30 ft, 15-year liquidambar wants permanent solution to spiky fruit ("balls"). Asks if annual spray exists or tree should be removed.

Annual Spraying Required for Fruit Suppression

Floral spray (e.g., ethephon) must be timed precisely each spring—impractical for most homeowners.

Better Solution: Fruitless Cultivar

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba' — naturally fruitless, same brilliant fall color. Replace the tree if balls are intolerable.

No chemical provides permanent sterilization.