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Sweetgum Tree Disease #767375

Asked August 14, 2021, 7:48 PM EDT

I have 4 sweetgum trees and a large number the ends (approx. 6 in. to 12 in.) are turning brown and eventually dropping off. Can you tell me what this is and what I can do about it. The trees are full mature, they were there when we moved in 32 years ago. I live in Edgewater.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

This does not look like a disease, but instead is probably the work of insects. Most likely would be the periodical cicadas from earlier this year; their egg-laying damage often turns into "flagging," where branch tips break or desiccate due to the injury in the wood. Despite being somewhat alarming in appearance, it does not hurt the tree and the twigs will snap off and fall in future storms. Trees respond to this natural pruning with increased growth the following year or so.

If you see any twigs on the ground or can reach any of the lower portions, look for the typical dashed-line scar running along the twig just behind where leaf browning starts to confirm cicadas are the cause. An example is illustrated on this page: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cicadas

 

Miri

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