wet rot on a Sycamore need help

[Bill white]

I have a very large 4+ feet diameter Sycamore tree that has a large hole 5 feet off the ground. The hole is wet with rot and additionally has black ants actively in it. The hole itself is approx. 10 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep , the location is where it had been pruned to close to the trunk many years ago. Please advise on how to care for this and prevent additional water from entering tree. Thanks for your help.

 

[sgreanbeans]

Water standing in the wound is not a problem. When water is present, oxygen is not, all bad things need oxygen. The ants don't do anything but clean the junk out, they dont eat the wood, they live in it. If anything, clean the loose stuff out and let it be. Don't cover it or fill it. Read up about compartmentalization of wounds and wound closure, you'll understand.

 

[Raintree]

Water standing in the wound is not a problem. When water is present, oxygen is not, all bad things need oxygen. The ants don't do anything but clean the junk out, they dont eat the wood, they live in it. If anything, clean the loose stuff out and let it be. Don't cover it or fill it. Read up about compartmentalization of wounds and wound closure, you'll understand.

Good advice, do nothing. Keep tree healthy, let wound close.