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Question: |
Ants have excavated a huge cavity in my 30-year-old maple tree. What can I do about it?
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Answer: |
Ants only excavate dead wood, so there is little concern the ants will affect the health of the tree. The bigger concern is the structural stability of the tree. If the hollow is large enough, that portion of the stem may be compromised and more susceptible to breaking in a storm. You can get a better idea about the likelihood of the stem breaking by having a risk assessment done on the tree. We do these regularly, so please please make an appointment for us to handle this for you. If you simply don't want the ants around, we can dispose of them as well.
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| 2. |
Question: |
Can many years of accumulation of black oil sunflower seed hulls under a bird feeder hung on an old maple tree cause the top of the tree and some lower branches to die?
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Answer: |
It is highly unlikely that the accumulated seed hulls would cause the maple tree to die back. There are probably other reasons for the decline of the tree. If you are in one of our service areas, we would be happy to come to your property to take a look and make a determination. Please make an appointment today.
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| 3. |
Question: |
I have an autumn blaze maple that, over the past few weeks, shows small "bumps" of various colors on the leaves. Also, I have seen some cotton-like substance on the tree. What should be done?
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Answer: |
What you are describing on the autumn blaze maple are likely two different pests. The bumps on the leaves are galls (swelling of the leaf tissue) most likely formed by mites. The galls typically do not adversely affect the health of the plant and the damage is cosmetic only. The cotton-like substance is from the aptly named cottony maple scale. You might have some lecanium scale as well. Scale insects feed on the sap of stems. In small quantities, they are not much of an immediate threat. However, if their populations are not kept in check, they will lead to decline of the tree. There are several different methods for treatment. If you are in one of our service areas, make an appointment today for a recommended course of action.
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| 4. |
Question: |
Our Chanticleer pear tree has what appears to be a large amount of suckers. We cut it back weekly, but this year it doesn't look healthy and has small, undeveloped leaves on some branches. What would you recommend?
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Answer: |
Suckering on trees in general is usually a sign of stress, which also sounds like what you are describing with the overall health of the tree. There are a number of issues that could be causing this to happen. To make an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment recommendations, a site visit would be necessary. If you are in one of our service areas, make an appointment for a consultation at your property.
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