Tree is absorbing rotting post containing ants

[cgherman]

I recently bought a house and didn't notice this issue -- I've got a tree that is absorbing a rotting wood post. The post is infested with ants.

What is the best way to help this tree heal? Photo attached.

 

[TNTreeHugger]

If that's what it looks like, that's pretty strange.
I think the experts here would tell you the ants eat only dead wood.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I don't think the tree is absorbing the post. I suspect there was a second stem to the tree, which either died or was cut by a previous owner (for whatever reason). The remaining stem has been growing around the cut stem. It has well defined callous wood grounding around the edge of the scar.

As TNT noted, the ants are only in the dead wood, creating their nest.

As far as helping the tree, make sure it doesn't get drought stressed, Although I'm not too concerned with a scar and cavity that size, if you like the tree, I would recommend that you keep it pruned to a relatively small size. Use proper pruning techniques.

 

[Jason Douglas]

Mulch bed to improve the rooting environment and to keep damage from lawncare equipment from happening.