AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question QUESTION: I have two nice Lindens - probably 20 years old or more - and would like to string a hammock between them. Will the strong hook & eye plus the weight cause damage to the trees. The smaller of the two has a trunk with a circumference of about 25 inches.
Thank you.
ANSWER: The weight will not be the problem but drilling into a thin barked tree like the Linden will cause fungi to enter the trunk and decay will over time set in. I would suggest that you use a strap type system for hanging the hammock here is a web link to some of these types. http://www.hammockstock.com/hammock-hanging-kits/category/421.htm
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QUESTION: Thanks, Jim - that's what I was thinking as I was measuring the tree today (and brings up another question below). But I never thought about a strap system; never seen one before - thank you so much!
my next question: I did notice that the larger of the two Lindens has some round spots that look like openings (though no holes have ever been drilled) and there is a moist dark orange color there. Any ideas on what to do?
Answer Sounds like it could be an insect called a borer. These beetles will bore into the trunk and the tree will bleed and a wet area is produced around the wound. I would spray the area with an insecticide called Merit this will kill the insect in the trunk and prevent others from attacking. Borers infest tree under stress so I would fertilize the trees with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered round the tree and watered in good. I would fertilize now and again in the spring. This will increase the health of the trees roots system and the overall health.
