Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/24/2006

Question
Hi,
My tree guy tells me that I should cut down my 2 beautiful Norwegian pines because the ants are eating them. These trees are at least 50 feet tall, about 20" in diameter, all bark, with leaves and new growth only at the top. These trees are in the New Hampshire lakes region.

Are the ants really eating through the trees? Should I have them cut down?

Thanks.

Answer
Ants will not kill a mature tree. The ants are more tham likely feeding on insects or just making their nest in the dead areas of the tree. I suggest you contact the New Hampshire Division of Forests and talk with one of their Forest Health folks. Here is the web link to their Forest health page and the contact information is at the bottom of the page. http://www.nh.gov/dred/divisions/forestandlands/bureaus/forestprotection/health....