Hi - no suggestions from me because I don't know anything about trees, but I would try your local extension office to see if they can help understand what's happening. maybe there's something causing this particular to your area? I called the dept of forestry once and they were very heplful with a problem. good luck!

Fiddler, although we are VERY far away from you, my dad is having the same problem with his Sweetgums this year. I wonder what it is? My dad lives on the north shore of Lake Erie in southern Ontario, due north of Cleveland OH. I live another hour to the north and my sweetgum is ok, slow to grow leaves but healthy none the less. It's been unseasonably cold and damp this spring so it's slowed the trees and bushes a great deal but I don't know what happened to my dad's. He describes the same symptoms as yours. You are so fortunate to have all those sweetgums. Up here you are hard pressed to find a nursery that even knows what one is! And even if they know, they can't get them. They are one of my favourite trees but the nurseries here who do get them cut them into "tree form" like a maple tree. I prefer them in the natural "xmas tree" form with branches right down to the ground. I had a gorgeous one at my old house that was really starting to mature nicely at around 30' in height. The fall colour was spectacular. I hope you find out what is happening. I agree with the previous poster who suggested you contact local wildlife authorities and see if there is something widespread happening and ask if there is something you can do.

Best of luck to you.

Barb
Ontario, CANADA

Hi TnFiddler,
I agree that you need a professional consultation about what's really going on with your trees. Sometimes, certain trees just don't do well for awhile......maybe it's a parasite or a disease or something, and then they might improve another year. I've had some maple like that.
But you might waste alot of time trying to guess what's going on.......so call your Ag Extension agent and go from there. Good luck to you! (P.S. could it be getting some chemical spray from a nearby farmfield??)

Thanks everyone for your replies. My County Extension office is coming by next week to have a look.

Barb, I have several Sweet Gums that are growing volunteer that I would be glad to send you over the winter while they are dormant. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks again everyone,

Fiddler

Do you mean seedlings Fiddler? If so, I think it's illegal to send it to me because I live in Canada. I'm not entirely sure but I don't think we can pass "vegetable/vegetation" matter across the border. If anyone knows for sure please let me know as I'm not familiar with the cross-border laws. Either way, your offer is very generous Fiddler, thank you. :o)

PS... aren't the seed-pods cool on Sweetgums? They are very unique up here at least.

Barb
Ontario, CANADA

Please visit the following website to answer the question... why all the trees are dying. The answer is not what you think... http://home.earthlink.net/~diabetestype1/

Here is a link that might be useful: Why all the trees are dying