Black Walnuts struggling

[Gkiesel]

Hello all. We live in North east PA and over the last few years I've noticed 2 of our very old walnut trees seem to be having trouble. The canopy comes out much later than the surrounding maples etc, and it it is a sparce canopy as well. They look a bit like when an ash tree is dying due to the ash borer.
I was looking for suggestions on what I should be looking for as far as what's causing this. I have noticed a few ants around the trees. How also can I treat any tree for ants without killing the tree?
Thanks for you help. George

 

[farmer steve]

George the walnut trees here in central PA leaf out a lot later than some of the other trees. Most insecticides for ants shouldn't hurt the tree.

 

[Gkiesel]

George the walnut trees here in central PA leaf out a lot later than some of the other trees. Most insecticides for ants shouldn't hurt the tree.

Thanks for that info. I'll keep an eye on it, and try to treat it moderately for the ants.