Question
Is there a any chemical that can be sprayed on Liquid Amber Trees to prevent the development of the seed pods (dangerous hard little spiky balls)?  Where can we find it?  Currently our only recourse seems to be to cut down our beautiful 70 ft. trees.

Answer
There is a new product Florel?brand Growth Regulator (Liquidambar/Sweet gum).
"Florel?brand Growth Regulator breaks down into ethylene, a naturally occurring compound, in the plant. When a plant is under stress it produces ethylene. If the plant is in bloom at the time of excess ethylene production, the first symptom is blossom abortion. This is how Florel?brand Growth Regulator works. It causes the plant to abort its blossoms."

You might ask your local nursery if they can get it for you.
Here is a web link to information on this product and where to get it.
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/faqs/florel.html