David Matthew
ArboristSite Lurker
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2023
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Hi folks,
I'm a homeowner and recently had two sycamore trees trimmed (no comment on trimming job) and discovered a pretty serious termite problem. I noticed the bark split open in several areas and especially near a large branch. Then when probing I found many sections of bark were just sitting ("floating") on top of termite damage and dead almost rotting looking wood. It looks like they have been quite busy eating away under the bark, I'm not sure if they are going deep into the tree or just the surface.
The trimmers didn't really have a clue and there appears to be a lack of arborists in the area to help me figure out the course of action. Local termite companies say they don't mess with live trees and other tree service companies say they don't have expertise with this either. The trimmer did at least confirm that when trimming they put full weight on the branch and it seemed solid.
My thoughts on treatment (couldn't find anything online describing how to treat this exact scenario)
1. Continue removing all dead "floating" bark to reveal damage underneath.
2. Remove/scrape/sand/grind dead wood underneath until reaching clean un-molested wood to further assess damage and potential entry holes to tree. (Spraying any living termites and grubs in the process with termiticide).
3. Drill holes near damaged areas and fill with termidor to see if there are internal termite galleries. Plug holes with putty per instructions.
4. Spray termiticide around base of tree and all areas where bark and wood were removed.
Thoughts?
Some other questions:
1. If I remove/grind the damaged/dead wood will new bark form/will it heal? Could I damage the tree further by doing this? Should I use some type of sealant/covering on these areas after removing damaged wood?
2. If the treatment portion is beyond a capable homeowner level then what professional would I use? I've called various termite companies as well as tree service and no one seems to have any expertise here.
Thank you for any responses!!!
I'm a homeowner and recently had two sycamore trees trimmed (no comment on trimming job) and discovered a pretty serious termite problem. I noticed the bark split open in several areas and especially near a large branch. Then when probing I found many sections of bark were just sitting ("floating") on top of termite damage and dead almost rotting looking wood. It looks like they have been quite busy eating away under the bark, I'm not sure if they are going deep into the tree or just the surface.
The trimmers didn't really have a clue and there appears to be a lack of arborists in the area to help me figure out the course of action. Local termite companies say they don't mess with live trees and other tree service companies say they don't have expertise with this either. The trimmer did at least confirm that when trimming they put full weight on the branch and it seemed solid.
My thoughts on treatment (couldn't find anything online describing how to treat this exact scenario)
1. Continue removing all dead "floating" bark to reveal damage underneath.
2. Remove/scrape/sand/grind dead wood underneath until reaching clean un-molested wood to further assess damage and potential entry holes to tree. (Spraying any living termites and grubs in the process with termiticide).
3. Drill holes near damaged areas and fill with termidor to see if there are internal termite galleries. Plug holes with putty per instructions.
4. Spray termiticide around base of tree and all areas where bark and wood were removed.
Thoughts?
Some other questions:
1. If I remove/grind the damaged/dead wood will new bark form/will it heal? Could I damage the tree further by doing this? Should I use some type of sealant/covering on these areas after removing damaged wood?
2. If the treatment portion is beyond a capable homeowner level then what professional would I use? I've called various termite companies as well as tree service and no one seems to have any expertise here.
Thank you for any responses!!!