Growth on the trunk

[bonsai barry]

I recently bought this Benjamin ficus. It has a grow on the base. Should it be removed?

 

[lordy]

I have carved away wire marks on F. Benjamina when they were probably under 4 yrs old. Now 10-15 yrs later, you would never know.
BUT what I did and what you are wondering about are pretty different. The species seems to be quite tough as far as care and feeding go. However that borders on big enough to girdle the tree if you cut it flush. It may send out roots. Thought of air layering it? Branches in the vicinity of a layer cut add to the likelihood that it will push roots.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Do you want a sacrifice branch?
Is it or will it ever add to the overall plan for the tree?

It's up to you.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hmmm that almost looks like gall. It's pretty common on benjamina. I'd toss if it that is indeed what it is.

 

[bonsai barry]

Hmmm that almost looks like gall. It's pretty common on benjamina. I'd toss if it that is indeed what it is.

Why toss it? Can I surgically remove it?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Why toss it? Can I surgically remove it?

It's suggested not to. The tools you use must be bleached and heavily cleaned or else it can spread to your other trees when you cut them. The local nursery burns the Ficus that have gall, they take it very seriously.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Lost my shrub in the yard to crown gull this past spring. I thought I could cut some of the diseased out...but it was all through the roots and branches. It's a horrible disease. If that his what it is...the nursery said to spray my pruners with Lysol spray and wipe down with each cut.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Wow I had no idea this was a disease. I just googled it. I've never seen it irl. It's good to know what to watch for in the future. Thanks.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

could it be burl? do ficus do that?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

could it be burl? do ficus do that?

Not that I've seen.