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How to reduce tree ferns dropping spores?

I have a beautiful dicksonia tree fern, 3 of which I have relocated to another area in the garden due to the mess from when it drops it's spores. It got to the point we couldn't sit outside or keep windows open as the spores covered everything.

This is the offender!

I still have one fern near the house that causes the same issues, but in a slightly less capacity.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to stop this? Wouldn't be so bad if it shedded it's spores in winter when you don't won't to sit outside!

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Comments

robchin

hi @hellsgarden

This is an interesting one - the spores are like the ferns flowers. It having spores is a sign of good health and I don't know if there's anything you can do to stop it. From memory - not all fronds will have spores - so maybe just removing those fronds that have them might minimise your stress.

Sorry - no good news for you here.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @hellsgarden. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about ferns dropping spores.

It's definitely tricky, as spores are a natural part of the fern's lifecycle. One idea you could try is to get suited up in disposable overalls and a face mask, then proactively shake the fronds to release the spores all at once. Afterward, you can clean up the area and remove the spores. You might need to repeat this a few times throughout the season, but at least it would limit the constant droppings. While it won’t stop the ferns from shedding spores altogether, it could help manage the mess and reduce the impact, especially if done before the spores start accumulating.

Ultimately, I think the best option would be to look at relocation and replacement with a more suitable plant.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

hellsgarden

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46983#Comment_46983

Thank you for your advice.

Sadly we are going to have relocate this one too, which is not going to be an easy task.

I did give her a big clean up yesterday and sprayed all the fronds using the pressure cleaner........

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