UK households with fruit trees in their gardens are being urged to pick up fallen fruit promptly this September to avoid costly damage. An expert warns that neglecting this task can lead to pest infestations, lawn damage, and disease, with potential costs running into hundreds of pounds.
Fallen fruit left to rot can attract wasps, hornets, and even rats, leading to expensive pest control bills starting at around £100. The fruit also provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can spread to the tree itself and neighbouring plants, potentially requiring tree removal costing over £200.
In addition, rotting fruit can kill grass within days, causing patchy brown areas. The weight and moisture block sunlight and air, leading to yellowing and death. Reviving a lawn can be costly, and re-turfing may be necessary in severe cases.
Gardening expert James Lewis from MyBuilder.com advises collecting fallen fruit daily and disposing of it properly. He says: 'It's actually vital to remove rotting fruits. They can attract not only wasps and hornets, but also rats. This could lead to having pest control in - not a cheap job.'
Prompt removal prevents self-seeding, which can cause unwanted saplings to sprout across the lawn. Weeds also thrive on the organic matter from decomposing fruit, creating additional maintenance work.
