Pocket BotanistCheck 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your sweetgum.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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.
More problems with Sweetgum
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.