Disadvantages of Golden Raintree

Litter Issues

• The yellow flowers and papery, lanternlike seedpods of the golden raintree add visual interest during the summer and autumn months. They also create an abundance of messy litter, however. The flowers form a golden-yellow carpet beneath the tree when they first fall, but they eventually degrade and form a somewhat slimy brown mess on sidewalks and lawn. The seedpods split open in late summer and drop their fleshy, seed-filled fruits from autumn until spring, which can stain walkways and create a slipping hazard on hard surfaces.

Pest and Disease Problems

• Golden raintree resists most pest infestations and serious diseases, although it is susceptible to certain illnesses if grown under poor conditions. Constantly wet soil and heavy shade create the ideal conditions for root rot and the fungus Verticillium in a golden raintree. It also may contract leaf spot and canker in a cool climate. Insect problems are rare, but beetle borers and scales can create minor colonies in an otherwise healthy golden raintree.

Biogenic Emissions

• Trees are commonly credited with preserving and improving air quality, but that is not always the case. Certain tree species, including the golden raintree, release a high level of biogenic emissions, or hydrocarbons, which may have a negative impact on local air quality if the tree is planted in large numbers. A single golden raintree in a landscape does not release enough biogenic emissions to make a significant impact, but large-scale plantings of golden raintree may have an effect.

Toxicity to Animals

• The golden raintree poses a poisoning threat to livestock and horses, the book "Toxicity of Ornamental Plants to Domestic Animals and Livestock," by Ralph L. Phillips, indicates. Plant the tree well away from areas where the animals are kept to avoid their ingestion of the tree's leaves and twigs.

Invasive Potential

• In temperate areas, golden raintree is seldom invasive, but it may self-sow and spread rapidly in areas with moist, frost-free weather. The tree's weedy growth is especially a problem in Florida, where it has escaped cultivation in highly localized areas of the east-central portion of the state. Plant the tree with caution in a subtropical area, and clean up its seed litter immediately after it falls to prevent unwanted seedlings.