I have a conifer in an outdoor planter and the plant has loads and loads of flies buzzing around it, why?

Question

I have a conifer in an outdoor planter and the plant has loads and loads of flies buzzing around it, why?

Answer 1

The best clue would be whether the flies just buzz around or land on the plant, and whether they land on the pot or the actual plant.

There could be sap on the plant and the odor of it is attracting the flies. If you want to get rid of the flies you might try giving the plant a "shower" in the bathroom or with the hose outside.

Does the soil contain compost of some sort? Maybe even a fertilizer is the culprit. Perhaps an inch layer of plain soil on top of the existing soil will be enough to keep the scent of the fertilizer or compost in and the flies disinterested.

Or it's just a stinky plant designed by nature to attract flying insects to aid in it's pollination, in which case you'll just have to learn to live with it!

I hope this helps!