Sigh...
When our papaya trees grew too tall, we were told to cut it down and put cans on it to keep out the rain. We soon discovered what looked like maggots under the cans so we took the cans off.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop the deterioration. Maggots were still in there and continued to feast on the plant even as the tree kept trying to grow.
We took off the can from the other tree hoping that would make a difference. There were no maggots in this tree, but it was rotting from the rain getting in.
We're not going to dig them up just yet. We're going to try drying the stumps up on sunny days and cover them in the evening when it rains. We'd give up if it weren't for the fact that these trees really produce extra sweet papayas.
OK... I know. Once it starts producing again... IF it starts producing again, we'll have to contend with the birds. Ah well, we'll deal with that IF and when it happens.
When our papaya trees grew too tall, we were told to cut it down and put cans on it to keep out the rain. We soon discovered what looked like maggots under the cans so we took the cans off.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop the deterioration. Maggots were still in there and continued to feast on the plant even as the tree kept trying to grow.
We took off the can from the other tree hoping that would make a difference. There were no maggots in this tree, but it was rotting from the rain getting in.
It was sad to have to cut it down.
This tree really had some good growth still happening, but we could see the rot already damaging the branch shoots.
OK... I know. Once it starts producing again... IF it starts producing again, we'll have to contend with the birds. Ah well, we'll deal with that IF and when it happens.
that's more papaya trees than in the entire Waikiki. Btw, foist!
ReplyDeleteHope this time it grows really healthy and the maggots stay away from it..
ReplyDeletewhat a battle, I hope this time is the charm
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to see that they aren't flourishing and hoping that with these changes they will come back.
ReplyDeletewhat a sad story...planting is fun but harvesting is the challenge!
ReplyDeleteThat is dramatic tree surgery! I hope your efforts pay off.
ReplyDeletehope they recover, you can always plant some more too.
ReplyDeleteArt looks very determined to save them.....I hope it works.
ReplyDeleteHope cutting out the rot works. Would cutting it at a slant work better than covering? I see in the photo a slight slant so I think that's what you did.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
What a shame, it's always so sad to have to cut down any living thing, and especially something that you've nurtured for so long.
ReplyDeleteI had one very successful papaya "tree," and then it came to its early demise. It lived for abnout ten years and then kaput. I think the papaya is not an actual tree. It's more like a great big grassy plant.
ReplyDeleteLosing our trees is like losing friends. Our precious pecan trees were lost in the drought last year and it was a sad day to finally give up and remove them and our plans for yummy nuts in another year or two.
ReplyDeleteGosh..I'm so sorry. We love papaya too, and losing the trees really hurts.
ReplyDeleteEeewww, gross. Maybe a horticulture guy can advise how to keep them from getting too tall. They don't need help in nature, and there must be enough for the blasted birds. It rains in nature....I'm confused about the can on / can off procedure. Maybe it can grow tall, then hang back down to the ground to harvest? DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteIt's tough working with plants, isn't it? I love your header. A beautiful rainbow.
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country!
Good luck Kay it owuld be a shame to have to lose them. Looks like its warm there, is it warm all year round?
ReplyDelete