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Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Sep 07, 2013

I was pruning a Japanese apricot (prunus mume) today.
One limb had a deep cleft in it where ants appeared to be entering & leaving frequently.
I cut the limb off as close to the trunk (pic #1) as I could.
But it appears there is a central rotted area where ants are still living (#2).
I realize prunus mume is prone to all sorts of pestilence,
but it's winter bloom is truly remarkable - pic #3 was taken on New Years Day!
If the tree is the only thing at risk, I'll take my chances.
But if my house is at risk (it's adjacent to the attached deck), I'll take the tree out.
The tree otherwise looks healthy - it grows like crazy, which is why it needs frequent pruning.
Suggestions?

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Sep 07, 2013

Get your ants ID, and then you'll know the next course of action. Not every ant species is a threat to human constructs, since many live all around us and cause no trouble at all.

The fact that they are in the tree is probably just their residence, and/or they are working to decompose the dead wood on the interior. They are likely not pathogenic to the Prunus mume.

Your county extension service (or someone knowledgeable on the Bug Forum) may be just the place for that ID.

Post #9653581
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Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Sep 08, 2013

Thanks, VV. I think I'll mosey over to the bug forum.
Never been over there before...

Post #9653920
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