I have a tree that is severely damaged from ants that made their home in the trunk last year. Surprisingly, it is still alive and has new growth this spring. Looking for recommendations on what I should fill the hole with to help it and what to wrap it with. Thanks!
by MothersMilk2597
12 Comments
Who’s gonna tell him
I think I would replace it. Yes, it appears quite young, but it it very compromised.
Needs a root crown excavation to see how bad it really is
There are several things wrong with this tree, it’s really better to plant a new one.
1. It will never recover from a wound that size.
2. The elevated planter has likely formed circling roots which will strangle the tree.
Notes:
1. Planted too deep, which rotted out the trunk.
2. Grass growing in the planter likely resulted in tree damage when trimming the grass.
3. Ants only move into trees that are already rotting.
4. The only way to heal tree wounds is to keep them dry. Wrapping them only worsens rot.
When you plant a new tree:
1. No tree ring, mulch only
2. Weed the mulch regularly and add mulch yearly
3. Make the mulch ring as wide as the tree
4. Make sure the root flare of the tree is exposed. No mulch touching the trunk.
It’s easier and cheaper to get a new one and replant. Just keep the string trimmers away.
Is that a silver maple? It definitely shouldn’t be that close to the house
Replace it, the odds of it healing and being aesthetically pleasing from a wound that size are very low. If you are going to put a tree that close to your house, it really should be a tree that matures at a smaller size than a maple. Think dogwood or other understory tree.
Poor thing. That’s terminal
I have a tree in my front yard (I think silver maple, but not sure) that’s got bark peeling off the trunk on its western side. I assume the sun is getting to it and damaging the bark. Do I need to water more, make a sun barrier, fertilize somehow?
Rip tree
Maple trees are weak trees cut it and plant an oak tree.
Honestly, just rip it out, plant a new one, it’ll grow to that size in a few years. This tree likely grew extremely slow given the way it was planted. No worries, we all make mistakes!