skip to main content

Florida Gardening Trees Koi Ponds

Anything I can do about these berries raining down from the tree?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I recently purchased a property and it has a large tree which I believe to be a Ficus of some kind. Here are some pictures of the tree trunks. I tried to get a leave picture but they are to high up to get a good picture of.

Started about a week ago, it started to drop these fruits - berries the size of M&Ms. They come down at about several per second, and after I swept the ground clean, 4 hours later you have this again. Filled a wheel barrow.

If you gently step on them they burst. I can't even walk into the house without taking my shoes off as the bottom of the shoes are completely coated with burst and crushed berries.

Does anyone know which species of Ficus is this? Or is this even Ficus? Any idea how long they will keep dropping these berries? two weeks? two months? It is totally out of control.

I have a small pond with a wooden bridge. This is again 4 hours later I cleaned the bridge and pond, the bridge is full of berries again and the pond has these berries floating on every inch. They draw mosquitoes, flies, bees...

Will these berries contaminate the pond water and hurt the fish if I don't scoop them up 2-3 times a day?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
4 years ago
Possibly Strangler Fig. I'd sure remove it. What a mess.
dirtygardener
4 years ago
That's either a strangler fig or a banyan tree. The berries are not the worst of your problems. It's way too close to your house, and their roots can destroy your foundation. If you're not attached to it, take it out & have the stump killed and ground out.
Related Discussions
What can I do now about Cedar-Apple Rust on Apple Trees
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks for the responses. How toxic is Immunox/myclobutanil? The warnings of course make it sound horrible and our water comes from a well not far off. Unfortunately, there will be no getting rid of the cedars, for family reasons. And while the area around the trees is mowed and underneath is kept mulched and weeded, the rest of the field (and the surrounding fields) are basically tall weedy grass that gets mowed once a year. That's not going anywhere either unless someone gives me a brush hog and a tractor to pull it with. I guess the best bet moving forward is to try to spray at the right time(s) in the future. I'll look into the suggested sprays for this year, though. Randy - My William's Pride isn't bearing yet (just put it in this year). I've had them from farm stands though and thought they were good enough to try planting. I don't have any tasting notes or anything, though :) Anyway, I hope they're good. Thanks again. Sam
...See More
can I do anything about my lawn now?
Q
Comments (10)
Round-up kills pretty much everything that's green: weeds, grass, etc. Grass usually only dies from too much sun when it doesn't get enough water. Most of your better seed comes from independent seed sellers, not the big box stores. Many people source their seed via the internet. Choosing what type of grass to grow is up to you, and what you think would do best in your environment. Since this is a spring seeding, and you live in the city, tall fescue might be your best option. Kentucky bluegrass produces nicer turf in my opinion, but it is much better suited to a late summer seeding since it takes longer to germinate and mature. Perennial rye is the fastest to maturity, but it can be a bit thirstier.
...See More
I can't believe this happened,,,what do I do,,, if anything?
Q
Comments (3)
I have a bareroot rose from last year and I have it in front of a side fence to discourage anyone from hopping the fence to get in the back. Someone stepped on it late last fall and broke and bent canes off to the ground and within a few inches. I cut them off and with normal watering it came back this spring, growing off what I thought were dead canes and I didn't see anywhere it could start growing from again. I almost think it's going to be a better rose bush for it. I don't think a bent, damaged cane could sustain the weight roses would put on it. From what you're saying I don't believe the rose will regrow the damage done. I don't really understand where it's broke out but I think you'll have to prune it off and hope to spark new growth with some watering. I'd be putting some Vitamin B1 on it for stress. You might create a well around the rose and water it deeply before you go, maybe it would be enough if it's not too warm where you are. Roses are pretty tough, I've had various accidents with them and thought they'd be toast and they were fine.
...See More
cherry tree is fruiting...do I need to do anything?!
Q
Comments (2)
just answering part of my question....i bought some netting to cover the cherry tree and blueberry bushes as I read online that the birds will eat them before they are ripe. i'm planning to not spray with anything, and see what happens.
...See More
Embothrium
4 years ago
Agree with removal, specimen is not visually attractive and you don't like the fruit drop.
Glenn Jones(9b)
4 years ago
It looks like a strangler fig but it could be quite a few different ficus. Be aware that many cities and counties have protected banyan and strangler fig and have a hefty fine for cutting them down.
kinzyjr {Lakeland, FL - USDA: 9b, Record: 20F}
4 years ago
- Find out for sure what kind of tree it is.
- Find out if there are restrictions on removing it.
- If there aren't restrictions - buy a chainsaw and a ladder or hire someone who already has them ;)
Embothrium
4 years ago
Wobbling around on a ladder with a running chain saw is a great way to end up on America's Funniest Home Videos.

Or in an ambulance.

If you choose removal hire a certified, insured and licensed tree service.

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?

If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

INSPIRING GARDENS What We Can Learn From Longwood Gardens’ New Meadow

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Sustainability, ecology, native plant communities ... this public garden is brimming with lessons on horticulture for home gardeners

COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECT What My Kids Have Taught Me About Working From Home

By Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Candy and Legos aren't the only things certain small people have brought to my architecture business

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

PETS What Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design

By Mitchell Parker

Who knew these tiny dogs could be such a huge fount of design tips? Houzzers did

HOME TECH What Chipotle and Radiohead Can Teach Us About Sound Quality at Home

By Mitchell Parker

Contemporary designs filled with glass and concrete can be hostile environments for great sound quality. Here's how to fix that

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Beautiful Things You Can Feel Good About Buying

By Morgan Spenla

Upcycled, ecofriendly or just made responsibly, these home accessories and furniture pieces will keep your conscience clear

Sponsored

More Discussions

Diagnosing problems with firespike in Sarasota

5

2024 January : upload your photos of first blooms of season

19

Rats in the garden ID?

6

Garden plans for 2024?

6

Greening Satsuma

2