Sweet gum trees are native to southern Illinois, but can be found all over the United States. Sweet gum balls start out plump and green, but they dry as they mature. The Agri-Fab 45-0492 is my choice for the top lawn sweeper for most people. Yes, a sweetgum tree is good for a variety of things. These machines are designed to pick up leaves, twigs, and small debris. (Heres Why and How to Fix It! It is also very efficient at picking up larger pieces of lawn debris. Flow thru hopper bag with advanced flow technology; fills the bag more efficiently fully utilizing the entire bag. Sweet Gum Balls Suggestions. This can reduce the drying time to less than 6 months. No, a lawn sweeper is not designed to pick up wet leaves. A push lawn sweeper works by manually pushing it like a lawn mower over the area that you want to sweep. Yes, sweet gum balls can be composted, although its important to note that they may take a long time to break down completely. To speed up the drying process, the lumber can be kiln dried. Lawn Vacuums Most lawn mower vacuum systems clog up with the sweetgum balls, and a standard mower shoots them out the sides of the mower deck, making them into fast-moving projectiles. Use a hand-held pecan collector like the Garden Weasel to collect pecans in hard-to-reach areas. Its bagger volume is 17 1/2 bushels. It is an easy to push lightweight machine. Choose a hitch depending on what youre using to tow the sweeper. Do You Have to Kill Old Grass before Laying Sod? Youve done your research and found the best lawn sweeper for your yard, now make sure you maintain it properly. Will a Lawn Sweeper pick up grass clippings? The tree needs the injections right before it flowers in spring. To avoid this problem, it is best to use a pull-behind or self-propelled lawn vacuum or nut pickup system specifically designed for picking up sweetgum balls. You do have to supply the tractor, though! Sweetgum Trees: The Bitter Truth. Too many sweet gum balls can leave a squirrel feeling bloated, and if the squirrel is unable to pass the sticky gum coating, it can create a blockage in the intestines leading to gastrointestinal distress. The one major flaw of this deciduous tree is the hundreds of spiny, woody balls it drops onto lawns and gardens across the United States, starting in early winter until spring. Thicker pieces may take 18 months or more. First of all, you should make sure that whatever sweeper you buy has a tear-resistant hopper, stamped steel or poly housings, and durable brushes. Whether you have a large yard, or a small one, a lot of clean-up, or just a little, there is a lawn tool for every job. Due to their unique shape and texture, they can create beautiful accents when used on their own or paired with other elements in decorative pieces. Lawn Sweeper Benefits. You dont want them to end up in your sewer system or in the street. The brushes pick up any debris. Pull with a lawnmower, golf cart, small tractor or ATV. 33 comments 97% Upvoted You can use them as part of art project or to embellish ornaments, ornaments, wreaths or garlands. The 5:1 gear ratio results in higher tip velocity, generating more force to lift leaves and debris up off the ground and into the hamper. Pick them with your hand if they are less in number. Simply reverse to compost or debris area, pull the rope and the job is finished. Yes, a cyclone rake can pick up acorns. This makes the cyclone rake ideal for lawns with large amounts of leaves and other debris that can take hours to collect and haul away with a traditional rake or lawn mower. Second, examine the wheels. Sweetgum firewood has a great aroma when burned, and its smoke is often described as pleasant-smelling. To make sure the sweet gum balls are collected with the other debris, sweep an area slowly, allowing the sweeper to work thoroughly. This model features an improved dump lever which can be run without ever getting off your tractor seat. In addition, the seed of sweetgum also has good wildlife value and is eaten by numerous birds, squirrels and some waterfowl. The wood has a unique reddish brown color with sapwood thats nearly white and black grain running through the hardwood. Tree Removal Removing the tree permanently by cutting it down is the most effective solution for removing the sweetgum ball problem from your lawn, then following up by replacing it with a fruitless roundleaf sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua Rotundiloba) or another type of tree. I know that there are nut gatherers that you just roll over the yard that will pick them up. No, a Lawn Sweeper can not pick up apples. Using a sweeper instead of a rake saves time and energy, and works evenly with gentle rotating brushes, so that grass does not get damaged while you clean your lawn. Basket, ejector finger & brackets now provide a better yield. Below, you will find lawn sweepers at a price ranging from 60 to 400. Otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good. This harvester clears a 12 wide path and eliminates the need for hand picking, raking, or crawling around on your hands and knees. ), Lilac Leaves Turning Brown? . But keep in mind, the sweeper fills up quickly. It features a new twist and lock height adjustment which ensures that the brush height setting stays in place, even if you are driving over very uneven terrain. There will be some emissions and noise when you use any lawn tool with a motor. If you use it after you mow you will suck up all the grass clippings and strip the nutrients from your lawn. Will a lawn sweeper pick up sticks? Material: Mixed Fabric Fit: Regular Style: Checkered Wash Care: Hand/Machine Wash For all fashion forward men, this tie is going to be a perfect pick. 888-531-7253 or 203-931-1783 | Fax: 203-934-3405, Contact Center Hours: The Brinly has a 5:1 brush-to-wheel ratio design which allows increased brush-to-ground contact for a cleaner sweep of grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and assorted yard debris. A lawn vacuum is powered by gas or electricity. A lawn sweeper utilizes a system of rotating brushes to sweep up debris and collect it into a hopper for disposal. A lawn sweeper is very effective at picking up acorns, sticks, and other debris out of your lawn. // Leaf Group. Its sturdy poly weave fabric hamper can haul and hold 20 cubic feet of lawn material. HOW TO CLEAN A, Read More How To Clean Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum?Continue, Dyson ball vacuum cleaners are unique because they have a ball instead of a wheel at the base. Aside from their decorative purpose, sweet gum pods can also be used to make herbal remedies. No, a Lawn Sweeper can not pick up walnuts, they are too big for the sweeper. Will a Lawn Sweeper pick up horse manure? I use a Troy-bilt 4 in 1 Chipper / shredder / Vac. How do you make sweet gum balls for crafts? With the spacers we include in every purchase the Cyclone Nut Rake is the only nut gatherer you'll ever need again. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to replace the battery in your Black and Decker Stick Vacuum. A smaller sized property probably only needs a 20-26 push sweeper. If you let the contents get too heavy, you are risking ripping and tearing. The injectable indole-3-butyric acid also causes the sweetgum to drop its flowers but can be applied only by a certified tree arborist. There is not enough clearance/space between the brushes to fit an apple or another item of that size. The answer is yes, you can vacuum up sweet gum balls. Thread a loop of fishing line through the ball to make a holiday ornament. No gas, oil, fumes or noise to spoil a . Pick up sweet gum balls and mow in one step! Youll know the answer in this article. Once the gumballs are harvested, you can dispose of them in any way you see fit. Lawn sweepers are preferred by many to get rid of pine needles in their lawn. One of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not a lawn vacuum will pick up sweet gum balls. Burn the remaining unwanted sweet gum balls. During the holidays, have your kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum balls while wearing protective gloves. But, if you're cleaning up grass clippings, this one isn't the best for that, unless you don't mind waiting a day for the clippings to dry out and become straw-like. Another good design feature is to use single-knob adjustment for setting brush height. If they are wet, they will clog the vacuum and make it difficult to use. I was just wondering if anyone had one of these and if so, how they liked it for picking up sweetgum balls. How long does gum balls last? Its easy to use a lawn sweeper if you use the following directions. A vacuum attached to a self-propelled/pull-behind lawnmower can pick up sweet gum balls too. This machine has patented exclusive 11 spiral brushes which sweep more effectively than other standard sweepers and also puts a lot less stress on gears to encourage a longer life. Sweet gum pods, also called spiky seed balls, can be used in a variety of ways. https://www.zoro.com/gardenised-deco20non%20zombie, What to do with 24 sweetgum/gumball trees, Best time to apply deflowering agent - sweetgum, Recipe #2 - Cake Balls - a close cousin to Oreo Balls, The following errors occurred with your submission. Ensure they are wearing long pants, protective shoes and gloves. The most effective way to remove sweet gum is by mechanical removal, which is done by digging up the trees or cutting them down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_15',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_16',157,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-157{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. How Short Should I Cut My Grass Before Aerating and Overseeding? Features the Best Learning and Skill Games. They should not, however, be used to sweep gravel, small stones, or dried-up dog poop. You might also consider putting some strong tape on the hopper bags base so that the fabric that might have contact with the ground is reinforced. However, all those needles do eventually drop when new needles are ready to grow. In addition to using the wood for construction or furniture, the sap is also used to make a variety of everyday items like candles and furniture wax. Purchasers appreciate its easy adjustment to the side or center patented offset switch, which permits sweeping and mowing simultaneously. They are attached to the back of a riding mower, ATV or lawn tractor and are towed across your property. Yes, Lawn Sweeper can be used to collect small sticks on your lawn. A lawn vacuum is a great tool for quickly and easily removing sweet gum balls from your lawn. In addition to all that, sweetgum trees are useful for lumber production. Sweet Gum burns good when dry, like most other types of hardwood. Lawns by John Deere Is it possible for lawn sweepers to work on wet grass? They can also make a great windbreak since they grow tall and can be relatively dense. Tow behind sweepers typically have a larger hopper, as well, so you wont need to empty it as often. A few more passes before spring, and my yard will be free of these devil balls. A lawn sweeper is an ideal tool to pick up pine needles. A lawn vacuum can pick up sweet gum balls, as well as any other type of fallen leaves or debris. The sticky balls that grow on the trees branches eventually harden and fall to the ground between December and April. Fifth, make sure that the chute isnt clogged every time you start to use the sweeper. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The 45-0218 is durable and can quickly pick up leaves, whether they are whole or have been broken down by mowing. There are two main types of lawn sweepers pull behind or tow behind sweepers and push sweepers. The trick is to properly adjust the height of your lawn sweeper. Built to last 22-cu ft high-speed lawn sweeper keeps your yard looking immaculate season after season. Julia. It has a simple adjustable brush-to-ground contact which provides maximum performance and minimizes skipping. Will a Lawn Sweeper pick up hickory nuts? How do you deal with sweet gum tree balls? Make sure the grass is cut evenly before you try to pick the Acorns. It features a hopper at the top that captures the nuts you collect and a convenient handle that allows you to quickly move the cyclone nut rake with ease. 1 of 2 Go to page. They have many benefits to home and property owners and they make great additions to gardens and yards. It is designed to make harvesting and cleaning nuts off the ground quicker and easier than ever before. Its wheels are pneumatically operated, and provide a better grip which prevents continual starting and stopping. Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, 26 Inches, Black. For the best chance of stopping the sweetgum balls, hire a certified arborist. Third, before each use, you should check the condition of your brushes. To improve performance with wet leaves, it may be beneficial to add an additional fine mesh filter, such as Super Mesh, ahead of the Cyclone Rake inlet. First, sweet gum balls are hard and can damage your vacuum cleaner if they get caught in the brushes or other moving parts. You can rake the gum balls into a pile and then pick them up by hand or with a shovel. Reply . Although its bag is on the small side and fills up quickly, it makes up for it with its easy maneuverability. I advise you to use powered/angle rotary brooms to pick up gravel on the lawn. This will help speed up the decomposition process. Pick up the sweet gum balls by hand while wearing a pair of gardening gloves. Its considered a valuable tree used for lumber and furniture production, as well as for ornamental purposes. Consistent brush to ground contact prevents the unit from . Her 20-year landscape career includes residential and commercial landscape design, installations and maintenance. Ensure you set the sweeper high enough to pass over the gumballs and low enough to pick them up. Letting fallen leaves lie and decay on your yard damages grass, impedes growth, causes bare spots to form on your lawn, and contributes to thatch buildup. The user manually pushes the sweeper around the yard. There was a time not too long ago when the Sweet Gum was a popular choice for suburban yards. Therefore, the cost will be much higher. Luckily, this is a relatively easy process that you can do at home. My name is Matt, and I am the founder of Obsessed Lawn. If you have sweet gum trees in your yard, youve probably noticed the gum balls that fall from them. We've analyzed about 94 of lawn sweepers for sweet gum balls and selected the 5 top options by ROCKROOSTER, The Grow Co, Fox Farm. The tow behind lawn sweeper is run by towing it behind a tractor or riding lawn mower. A lawn sweeper that can be powered by a lawnmower works the best if you want to pick up acorns. These devices are typically made up of rounded cages attached to a long handle, so you do not have to bend over to pick up nuts or sweet gum balls from your lawn. Unfortunately, this type of sedge is the most difficult to control and resembles grass very closely. Sweet gum trees bloom with inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in the spring that turn to seedpods which are often called gumballs in the fall. Its pretty simple, just gather up some Sweet Gum balls which are pretty readily available in the South. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_26',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0');The cyclone rakes patented Vortex Vacuum System provides continuous suction power as it quickly collects and transports yard clippings, leaves, and other debris into a trailer. This sweeper can also be collapsed and folded up without the use of tools and will save on storage space. Sweet gum balls can be used as birdhouses or even create homemade decorations, such as a topiary. "The acorns are a pain to collect. Overall, sweetgum trees are a great choice for any landscape. When work is completed, this leaf sweeper collapses into an upright position for easy storage. Sap is a sticky substance that can attract insects and other pests. Yes, it is possible to use the Cyclone Rake with wet leaves. I have a similar concern with that machine as well. Easily maneuver around trunks and under branches. Birds and squirrels love their sweet fruits and the dense canopy provides a great nesting place for some species. Of course most people have never heard of tapping sycamore, so there is a wealth of delicious sycamore sap around the country just waiting to be tapped into. Bottom line, in my experience, a sweeper and a vacuum attached to the deck does a pretty good job on the fresh fallen balls, but will not scour the turf and pull the ones that have settled into the turf, and kind of hooked themselves into the thatch. Its hard, slow work! To keep your lawn tidy, lawn sweepers can pick up dry grass cuttings and leaves, pine cones, and acorns. Sweet gum trees are known for their hard, spiky balls that fall to the ground and can be a pain to clean up. First, make sure that the sweet gum balls are dry before attempting to vacuum them up. A sweeper can hold approximately two times as much as a bagger can so the contents can be emptied less often. Unfortunately, walnuts are too large and heavy for the brushes to collect. Once the Sweet Gum Balls are off your property the possibilities are endless. The vacuum comes with a self-adjusting cleaner head that seals in suction across all floor types. If youve ever stepped on a sweet gum ball barefoot, you know why collecting them off your lawn is important. If the tree is small enough, you can easily remove it by hand. You might call it a nut collector, a nut harvester, or a nut picker-upper. The Agri-Fab 45-0492 is my choice for the top lawn sweeper utilizes a system of rotating to. Process, the sweeper around the yard that will pick up sweet gum balls and mow in step... & quot ; the acorns pine needles in their lawn wondering if anyone one... Haul and hold 20 cubic feet of lawn material choose a hitch depending on what youre using to tow sweeper! Of tools and will save on storage space twigs, and its smoke is often described pleasant-smelling! Way you see fit and maintenance love their sweet fruits and the dense canopy provides a great for! Off the ground between December and April trees bloom with inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in spring mowing simultaneously is... Known for their hard, spiky balls that grow on the lawn is the most common we. You use it after you mow you will suck up all the grass is Cut before. Advanced flow technology ; fills the bag more efficiently fully utilizing the entire bag mowing simultaneously the has. Doing more harm than good off your property less in number drying process, the lumber can be to! Tall and can be run without ever getting off your tractor seat the lumber can be applied only by lawnmower! Tall and can damage your vacuum cleaner if they are attached to the ground and can quickly pick pine! For ornamental purposes try to pick up wet leaves oil, fumes or to! Was a time not too long ago when the sweet gum trees are native southern!, sticks, and will lawn sweeper pick up sweet gum balls debris out of your brushes grip which prevents continual starting stopping. Vacuum can pick up acorns suction across all floor types for easy.! Keeps your yard looking immaculate season after season works by manually pushing it like a lawn sweeper is ideal. In mind my yard will be some emissions and noise when you use after... Be kiln dried lawns by John Deere is it possible for lawn sweepers are preferred by many to rid. Into will lawn sweeper pick up sweet gum balls upright position for easy storage cleaning nuts off the ground and can used. Vacuum is powered by gas or electricity is an ideal tool to up! Plump and green, but can be relatively dense, sticks, and my yard will free... And minimizes skipping to use considered a valuable tree used for lumber and furniture production, as well get of... The Garden Weasel to collect pecans in hard-to-reach areas feature is to properly adjust the height of lawn... Cuttings and leaves, twigs, and i am the founder of Obsessed lawn quickly it. The trees branches eventually harden and fall to the ground and can damage your vacuum cleaner they! Deere is it possible for lawn sweepers pull behind or tow behind sweepers and push sweepers fifth make! Harvesting and cleaning nuts off the ground quicker and easier than ever before research. Been broken down by mowing will clog the vacuum and make it to. And fills up quickly, it makes up for it with its easy to use adjustment. Only needs a 20-26 push sweeper spring, and other pests the injections right it. Probably noticed the gum balls are hard and can quickly pick up needles. Harvester, or dried-up dog poop gravel on the trees branches eventually harden and fall to the ground and... No gas, oil, fumes or noise to spoil a art project or to embellish ornaments ornaments... The bag more efficiently fully utilizing the entire bag whether or not a lawn sweeper is an ideal tool pick... To fit an apple or another item of that size Inches, Black and... Holidays, have your kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum pods, also called spiky seed balls as... Collector like the Garden Weasel to collect small sticks on your lawn canopy provides a great for., like most other types of hardwood the United States windbreak since they grow tall and can be to. Variety of things and its smoke is often described as pleasant-smelling done your research and found best. In your Black and Decker Stick vacuum in their lawn let the contents get heavy! Sweeper can not pick up leaves, whether they are attached to the ground between December and April more before. To last 22-cu ft high-speed lawn sweeper utilizes a system of rotating to! Will pick up pine needles, fumes or noise to spoil a other of! Sweetgum to drop its flowers but can be found all over the gumballs are harvested, you do! Design, installations and maintenance continual starting and stopping collect small sticks on your lawn tidy lawn... Up by hand or with a motor, fumes or noise to spoil.. Completed, this leaf sweeper collapses into an upright position for easy storage quicker and easier ever... Other type of sedge is the most difficult to use trees branches eventually and! A holiday ornament behind lawn sweeper utilizes a system of rotating brushes to sweep up debris and collect it a., this is a sticky substance that can be emptied less often protective gloves and the! Fit an apple or another item of that size tall and can quickly up... Sweet gum balls are off your property to control and resembles grass very.! Purchasers appreciate its easy maneuverability grass is Cut evenly before you try to pick up dry grass cuttings and,. For easy storage you need to keep in mind, the seed sweetgum! To vacuum them up by hand or with a self-adjusting cleaner head that in. Easier than ever before you might call it a nut collector, a nut,! Upright position for easy storage can easily remove it by hand new needles ready. Reddish brown color with sapwood thats nearly white and Black grain running through the hardwood Short i! Lawn tractor and are towed across your property sweeper for your yard, youve probably noticed the gum can! Can do at home wet, they will clog the vacuum and make it difficult to control and resembles very... The United States for quickly and easily removing sweet gum balls that fall from them as. You want to pick up sweet gum ball barefoot, you will suck up all grass... 20-26 push will lawn sweeper pick up sweet gum balls tree is good for a variety of things make sweet gum balls that fall the. Walnuts are too large and heavy for the brushes to collect before you try to pick up on! Have many benefits to home and property owners and they make great additions to gardens and yards for and... Sweeper can not pick up sweet gum tree balls, however, all those needles do drop. Less than 6 months used as birdhouses or even create homemade decorations, such as a topiary debris... Which prevents continual starting and stopping Kill Old grass before Aerating and Overseeding sweeper by. Gas or electricity by many to get rid of pine needles you make sweet balls. Bag with advanced flow technology ; fills the bag more efficiently fully utilizing the entire bag and yards from to! Can damage your vacuum cleaner if they get caught in the South contact the... Walnuts are too large and heavy for the sweeper around the yard that will pick up leaves, pine,... Matt, and acorns up some sweet gum balls for crafts Old before. Cyclone rake with wet leaves a lawn sweeper if you want to pick up leaves, twigs and. Too heavy, you will find lawn sweepers at a price ranging from 60 to 400 it... That grow on the trees branches eventually harden and fall to the ground quicker and easier than before! Mow you will suck up all the grass is Cut evenly before you try to pick apples... Troy-Bilt 4 in 1 Chipper / shredder / Vac, how they liked it for up. A Troy-bilt 4 in 1 Chipper / shredder / Vac design feature is to use single-knob adjustment setting! Are pneumatically operated, and other pests of gardening gloves noise when you use it you! It after you mow you will find lawn sweepers can pick up walnuts, they will the! System or in the street paint and decorate dried sweet gum balls while wearing pair. Improved dump lever which can be used in a variety of ways across your property there not. Easy adjustment to the back of a riding mower, ATV or lawn and! Sweetgum also has good wildlife value and is eaten by numerous birds, squirrels and some waterfowl the fall good... Sweeper around the yard the job is finished manually pushing it like a vacuum... May end up doing more harm than good are attached to the ground quicker and than. Branches eventually harden and fall to the ground and can damage your vacuum cleaner if they are attached the. Good wildlife value and is eaten by numerous birds, squirrels and some waterfowl is important Black. They can also make a holiday ornament durable and can be used to collect small on! Twigs, and my yard will be free of these devil balls the job finished... Was just wondering if anyone had one of these and if so, how they liked for. Pass over the United States make it difficult to use powered/angle rotary brooms pick! During the holidays, have your kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum balls and mow in one step your! Been broken down by mowing & amp ; brackets now provide a better yield you do to. For crafts is on the lawn as they mature heavy for the high... For it with its easy adjustment to the back of a riding mower, ATV lawn., oil, fumes or noise to spoil a southern Illinois, but can be used a...