Question
Hello

I have a ficus tree with a braided trunk.  Actually two on either side of door.  One is thriving.  The other has a growth on the trunk about the size of a small orange and the leaves have dropped from that segment of the tree.  Any advice?

Thanks

Obpeg

Answer
Hi Peg,

The lumpish growth on the trunk of a Ficus tree is a gall. The gall is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Sometimes the cause of the gall will have other negative effects on the tree. Most of the time, it has no effect. There is no "cure" for gall.

If it is only one branch that has the gall and appears to be dying, you can prune off that branch, including the gall. Disinfect your pruners after cutting the infected branch. The rest of the tree is probably OK, but you can never be sure. If the rest of the tree starts to die back, then you will have to discard the tree.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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