I know that oaks are toxic & shouldn't be used for sunken brush. What about sweet gums, of which I have plenty?

Also, how close should brushpiles be to BG spawning bed areas? Right in among them, or would the spawning disruption make it not worth the extra protection for the little guys?

I have used both oaks and gums plenty of times with no problem.

Xmas trees on their sides about 10-20 feet from the BG beds in a half circle outside the colony beds is the best idea. Like a fence around the outside ( deep water side) of the colony.

Any dense cover placed Ike that will increase BG yoy survival.

Thanks!

Sweet gum is in the maple family so should not be a problem. FWIW I only throw cured wood into my brush piles except for a few Christmas trees.

I'll certainly never use oaks again.

It is interesting that DD1 and I had different results with oaks. It does depend on the situation. I would not take the chance of loading up a small pond with a bunch of oaks especially if green. To many other safe options.