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Old 04-26-2011, 11:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJblue View Post
Be forewarned: planting fruit trees may attract rats which in turn will attract snakes.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/uw/uw12000.pdf

Sorry for the cold water.
I can attest to that. In CA we had a beautiful macadamia nut tree as well as a valencia orange tree. Both were lovely and the nuts and fruit were plentiful. The macadamia nut tree was removed when we found a rather large and quite beautiful, roof rat in it. The rats also enjoyed the oranges, but seemed quite content to eat the fruit from the very top of the tree. That was why I never realized the beasties were up there....I couldn't reach the top fruit and I was too lazy to grab the pole picker most of the time.

Saying all that, it is wonderful to have one's own fruit or nut tree. Both of our trees were extremely fragrant when in bloom and I loved the scents. One can plant dwarf varities and make sure to pick up any fallen fruit, share their harvest with friends and enjoy. If rats, excess fruit, caring for the plants become too much, trees can be removed. I'd plant another fruit tree, but you see, I already have this squirrel in my yard and....
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Last edited by pooh; 04-26-2011 at 03:06 PM.