Brown gritty droppings

Question From: 
Kate Stone in  Wavell Heights,  Brisbane QLD

 

Nature of problem: 
Brown gritty droppings

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Poinciana

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
Gritty brown substance dropping from tree

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
clay?

 

How often do you water the plant:
?neighbour’s tree

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
8

 

What type of plant is it:
poinciana tree

 

How long since you planted it:
? mature

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
?neighbour

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
outdoors

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
?

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
Hi. We have a lovely Poinciana next door, but for the last few months it has been shedding excessive amounts of a strange, brown gritty substance. It has stained our pool and tiles and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. It is the first tone in 3 years this has happened. Is it a borer? We live in Brisbane, Australia

 

Answer:  I’m not sure Kate. It could be caterpillar poo. The caterpillar could be a borer. Fertilising with citrus food on your side will provide the Micronutrients that enable the tree to fight them off.    

Don