Sweetgum Trees...Don't Curse Them Just Yet!
If you live on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, You may have
sweetgum trees in your yard. They seem to be in abundance here. We have the priviledge of FOUR! The spikey "gumballs" are not the most desirable thing to step on, and raking them is a real pain in the @#$%@. I hear folks complaining about their Sweetgum trees ALL THE TIME!
I love my Sweetgum Trees. In the summer they sport large & shiny, Bright green, Star shaped leaves. They provide top of the line shade in our backyard for our summertime cookouts and family fun! Layla, our 10 year old dog loves to curl up in the cool they provide from the sun! In the fall, the leaves remain long after all other trees around and their bright green leaves turn a beautiful fall collage of reds, oranges and yellows.
This morning as I stepped out the back door, I noticed just how amazing the Sweetgum trees looked against the pink-purple sky the sunrise provided for us. As for the thousands of spikey "gumballs" that are produced each year...The majority of the them end up with the pine straw mix and used as mulch around our trees. Tanner and I collect many of them for our Homemade Potpouri we make each year. They also work well as Christmas Ornaments, or mixed with cranberries and nuts for a natural garland.
So, Before you curse your Sweetgum Tree as the spikey "gumballs" stab into your bare feet...Think of the many positive qualities they have and try to enjoy their beauty.
Amy Hahn
Pine Knoll Shores Realty
252-723-7972 * 252-727-5000 * 800-605-8598
For all of your real estate needs on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina
