Q&A – My trees have hollow centers and are dying, and they have ants. Why?
Question:
My trees are dying from the top down. The centers are hollow and filled with ants. Why is this? Is there anything to kill the ants on healthy trees?
Answer:
UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that whenever he sees ants in trees there are usually aphids or scales in the tree and the ants are collecting honeydew. If the trees are already hollow the ants are probably looking to nest in the decaying center of the tree. But, the ants are not causing the tree to die, they are only a symptom of another problem. Get a certified arborist to look at your tree as it might be a danger to you.
Related Videos:
Cutting Out a Tree Canker
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Tree Decay
How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree?
Carpenter ants nesting in trees and homes
My trees are dying from the top down. The centers are hollow and filled with ants. Why is this? Is there anything to kill the ants on healthy trees?
Answer:
UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that whenever he sees ants in trees there are usually aphids or scales in the tree and the ants are collecting honeydew. If the trees are already hollow the ants are probably looking to nest in the decaying center of the tree. But, the ants are not causing the tree to die, they are only a symptom of another problem. Get a certified arborist to look at your tree as it might be a danger to you.
Related Videos:
Cutting Out a Tree Canker
Maple Bark Split
Related Resources
Tree Decay
How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree?
Carpenter ants nesting in trees and homes