Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the spots for fungal spores or fuzzy growth.
- Check if the spots are concentrated on lower branches.
- Clear away all fallen leaves from the base.
Likely causes
Leaf Spot Fungi
Most likelyHow to tell: Small dark or brown spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. These spots often grow larger during rainy seasons.
What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves to prevent spores from overwintering. Apply a copper based fungicide in early spring if the problem is severe.
Anthracnose
PossibleHow to tell: Irregular brown spots or blotches appear on the leaves and sometimes along the veins. It can cause premature leaf drop.
What to do: Prune away dead or diseased branches to improve airflow through the canopy. Keep the area under the tree clean of debris.
Find out what's wrong with your sweetgum
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is usually a cosmetic issue that does not threaten the tree's life. Worry only if the tree loses most of its leaves before the end of summer.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the tree rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.
Sweetgum: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweetgum and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- You can remove heavily infected leaves, but do not strip the tree bare. Focus on cleaning up the ground debris instead.
- Will the spots go away on their own?
- They will stay until the leaves fall in autumn. The tree will likely produce healthy new leaves next spring.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sweetgum
- Why are my American sweetgum leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my American sweetgum dropping leaves early?
- Why are my American sweetgum leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my American sweetgum tree drooping?
- What is eating my American sweetgum leaves?
- Why is my American sweetgum showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my American sweetgum leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.