[dmhain]

Hi,  I have a plum and apple tree on my new plot.  There are loads of fallen plums and apples all over the place in varying states of rotting!

I am digging over the whole plot as it is covered in couch grass, my question is, is it ok for me to just dig in all the fallen plums and apples or will this do more damage than good?

Regards

P.S  all the plums have some sort of bug, they have a jelly type substance on them which then turns into something that bores into the fruit.

[Trillium]

If the fruit has that type of bug, you'd be best to pick up as much as you can and somehow burn it. Otherwise, the bugs will simply overwinter in your soil and reproduce in the spring. Not only will your trees be constantly affected, others around you will also have serious problems. Please be a considerate gardener and destroy those pests before they become a plague.

[dmhain]

Cheers for the response, I do intend to give it a severe pruning in spring as it is holding far too many plums!

What about the apples, can I dig them in or is it better to compost?

[dmhain]

Bumping this in case anyone else has any views!

[peapod]

I would dig them in..theyll only go in the compost heap anyway...and theyll rot down nicely

[Trillium]

True, the fruit will rot, but the bugs won't. Most will overwinter in the soil and come back next year, and the year after, and.....

[peapod]

True, the fruit will rot, but the bugs won't. Most will overwinter in the soil and come back next year, and the year after, and.....

Ah I didnt have my eyes open and never noticed the bug sentence...I completely take it back...no digging in!

Sorry

Paula