Please help with these 'Blowy fluffy bits' :)
By Feyona
United Kingdom 
We have ( what we think ) a downy birch in the garden, it's 'little fluffy bits' that come off are a nightmare.. They are everywhere. Can't put a washing out, it gets covered in them, can't sit out, we get covered, can't open windows as the house would be covered in them. Can anybody give me some advice please?
Many thanks.
17 Apr, 2011
Answers
Thank you, Beattie. I'm not familiar with trees. I googled it and the nearest I got to these seeds was a Birch tree. I have never seen so many. They have been falling from early this morning and still continuing to do so. I think perhaps we need to get the tree cut to half it's size. Hopefully that way we won't get as many seeds. Again, many thanks.
17 Apr, 2011
We have the same Feyona, its like snow here! Nothing you can do, just let nature and the wind blow them away!
17 Apr, 2011
The seeds will soon be gone Feyona, it only lasts a while. Only trim the tree if it needs it, don't imagine it will make any difference to the seeds by pruning it, willows grow quite quickly.
17 Apr, 2011
Glad I don't live next door :-(
17 Apr, 2011
Me too, Bulba !
17 Apr, 2011
That's exactly what it is like, Grandmadge. Never known nothing like it! I do feel for the neighbours, Bulbaholic and Louise. My Hubby has been hosing the tree to try and keep them from dropping, I've been sweeping it up ( waste of time ) every 10 mins :(
I suppose nature will take it's course and I can breathe in the garden again. I won't do damage to it, Beattie. I would rather get a 'man who can' to do it for me :)).
17 Apr, 2011
Feyona, all things seed and re-produce, dont worry, do we all go this mad when a dandelion clock blows past!!! Enjoy the tree, they are rather beautiful.
17 Apr, 2011
Well when i see those dandelion clocks i'm not too chuffed.
18 Apr, 2011
I have just looked down my garden at my newly dug out border, it is covered in a layer of this white fluff, the whole length of the garden!!! This tree is in the field at the back of us and three gardens down!!! Its out of my hands, bit like the dandelion clocks Louise. Lol.
18 Apr, 2011
I think it's too early for birch seed to be about. It could be willow seeds, but even those are usually a bit later than this. Other than get rid of the tree, I can't see anything that you can do about it.
17 Apr, 2011