Gardeners are being warned not to leave fallen fruit to rot within their gardens as this can have costly consequences. Autumn is nearly upon us with green leaves changing to hues of red, yellow and brown whilst conkers are rapidly multiplying on the ground.
The change of season comes the inevitable fall of fruits and debris from our garden trees. While it might seem tempting to let them decompose naturally into the ground, an expert has cautioned that this could lead to damage.
Gardening expert James Lewis, from MyBuilder.com, warned: “It may seem like an unnecessary job to pick up fruit, but actually it can cost you a lot more time, energy, and even money if you leave it.
“Unpleasant outcomes, like the smell it can cause, are one thing – but attracting rats or causing the death of your tree is entirely another.”
From luring unwanted pests to triggering multiple new growths of trees, the expert has listed five key reasons why you should not leave your fruit to rot on the ground.
1. Attracting pests
Insects such as wasps and bees are attracted to fresh and newly rotting fruit, but this can disrupt your enjoyment of your garden and potentially lead to stings or bites.
However, the more significant issue arises when rotting fruit lures vermin like rats. Drawn by the scent of the fruit, which provides a substantial food source, rats can cause an infestation that is not only distressing but also expensive. Pest removal costs start around £100 and can escalate if the pests prove difficult to eliminate.
2. Diseases
Fallen fruit left to decay on the lawn is a hotbed for various bacteria and fungi. This poses a risk as it could spread to the tree from which it fell and even to neighbouring healthy plants.
According to the garden expert, “If your tree becomes diseased and needs removal, the costs can be more than £200. Fighting to save diseased trees can also be extremely costly, and methods are often ineffective.”
3. Weed Growth
Weeds tend to sprout around fruit trees where fallen fruit has been left to decompose. The rotting fruit enriches the soil with organic matter, creating ideal conditions for weed growth. You can remove weeds yourself with weedkiller but this is a costly task that charges your time and money.
4. Ruin your lawn
Fruit that has fallen onto the lawn can have several detrimental effects on the grass by blocking sunlight and air which results in damage or even killing your grass if the fruit isn’t removed promptly.
Within a day, the grass can start to yellow; in two days it may enter a dormant state, and after just two weeks of fallen fruit, it can begin to die. The cost of reviving a lawn can be hefty, with lawn treatments being costly and sometimes ineffective. In the worst-case scenario, re-turfing may be necessary.
5. Plant spread for certain trees
Leaving fruit on your lawn can lead to rapid seed spread. Certain species like apple trees can spread quickly through their fruit, so unless you want a forest of fruit trees on your lawn, it’s best to remove the fruit promptly.
To conclude, the expert shared what gardeners should do instead of letting their fruit rot on the ground, he said: “Pick up the fruit and dispose of it in a compost heap well away from your home, or take it to the tip if needed. It will save you many potential problems if you do.”
