Sweet Gum Trees Did Not Produce Seed Pods This Year

Question From: T. Mrocka - Little Falls, New Jersey, United States
Q: I have about 3 Sweet Gum Trees in my front yard and every year I have to clean up those spiky balls... I realized this year there aren't any spiky balls on the trees or falling on the ground. What does that mean?

A: An early thaw followed by a frost probably damaged the buds that produce the flowers that develop into these seed pods. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy