Question
15 years ago I planted a 5 ft tall Weeping Ficus tree "house plant" in the ground in my atrium ranch and it has since grown to the ceiling of the upstairs (30 ft) and needs 3-6 ft trimmed off twice a year.  But my real issue is that it is infested with microscopic white spider mites that infest any new houseplant immediately and kill it if they are sensitive to those mites. Spraying the entire tree is virtually impossible due to the size and position in the main room of my house.  I have tried feeding it a root absorbed systemic bug killer in the past with no success.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Doug,

For a tree that size, you really need professional help from a certified interior landscape company. Check local listings for indoor landscaping companies. Outdoor landscapers are not really qualified to help you with your atrium Ficus.

Commercial systemics are not effective with trees much taller than 5-6 feet because the systemic is too diluted by the time it is absorbed and transmitted to the outermost leaves and stems on larger trees. A professional will know how to spray a tree that size. Just Make sure the professional is a licensed pesticide applicator.

An alternative to spraying pesticides is using bio-contols or beneficial insects. Here is a link to an excellent article on non-chemical treatments of spider mites: <a href="http://www.learn2grow.com/problemsolvers/insectsanimals/insectdamagecontrol/spid>

Serious mite infestations are good indicators that the tree is under stress for other reasons, including excessive heat or dryness and improper watering. So you may need to address these issues as well as the actual eradication of the spider mites.

I have written an article on Ficus tree care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com