"holes" in trunk

[sacj]

We recently purchased a house in San Antonio with several mature live oak trees, which are situated in a bed of Asian ivy (this is what the locals call it, although I'm not sure it is the correct name -- nevertheless it is an invasive ground cover.) The ivy covered the first 3 - 5 inches of each tree's trunk. We cleared the ivy off the trees, and in doing so discovered the trees have sizable (larger than a basketball) holes/knots near the ground. We cleared the holes out, but I'm a bit paranoid that these areas are ideal habitats for animals, insects or disease. Should we fill them with something? Or is there any special care we should give these areas?

In advance, thanks for your advise.

 

[Dadatwins]

Be easier to advise if we could see some pictures of the holes/knots. Good idea removing the ivy, Ivy and trees usually do not mix well.

 

[treeseer]

Holes and knots sound like opposites to me; I dunno wutyagot. Let's see!