Help - is my Laburnum tree diseased?

Discussion in 'Trees' started by kamchow, Sep 18, 2010.

  1. kamchow

    kamchow Gardener

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    hi all, i'm new to this forum. so apologies if i have posted this in the wrong place.

    i have a laburnum tree in the garden.

    this year i noticed something strange.
    at least, i have not noticed this before.

    it seems to have developed strange "black seed" type things.
    here is the picture (sorry for the fuzzy image!):

    [​IMG]

    so, is this a disease?

    also, this year i noticed zillions of mosquitoes and wasp like (sort of mini wasp) buzzing all over the tree. the mosquitoes were the type with a striking green spot on the back.

    would dearly appreciate all help you can give.

    cheers.
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    "it seems to have developed strange "black seed" type things.
    here is the picture (sorry for the fuzzy image!):"

    Yep they are seeds.:D

    The mini wasps were probably hoverflies, cant help with the mozzies though.
     
  3. kamchow

    kamchow Gardener

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    thanks pete.

    are the hoverflies attracted to these seeds then?
    should i do anything about these "pests"?
     
  4. geoffhandley

    geoffhandley Gardener

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    Hoverflies are not pests. As adults they feed on nectar. They will hover in an area defending that bit of air space from other hover flies as they wait for a mate to come along. Their larvae eat aphids so they are good for the garden.
     
  5. kamchow

    kamchow Gardener

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    thanks geoff.
    i looked up hoverflies on the internet, and as you said they are good-ish for the garden.
    will leave them be!
     
  6. geoffhandley

    geoffhandley Gardener

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    The only trouble with hover flies is they really know how to irritate. They fly in front of you with that high pitched hum which can sound threatening - I suppose they are trying to persuade you to go somewhere else. If you don't know what they are you can think their stripes mean they are looking to sting. I just ignore them and after a while they just treat you like the furniture and ignore you. You learn to value the insects. A garden is not a proper garden unless its got things buzzing around
     
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