Question
On 3/24/2009 you responded to a question regarding carpenter ants in a maple tree. I have read your response to that question. My question differs in that my maple tree was replanted 2 years ago. It is about 3-4" in diameter. A split in the cambium (sp) layer has developed from the base of the the tree to the first crotch. Termites got into the tree which caused the long split. The foliage is unaffected on 3/4 of the tree. The other 1/4 of the tree from the crotch to the top is gone leaving bare sticks. This is producing a sideways flat tire kind of look. The question is, "will this tree ever be a good looking full tree or should I cut my losses and replant." I need this tree to grow quickly and full as it will screen our back yard from golfballs from the golf course we live on. What are your thoughts? Thank you for your help. We live in the Memphis area if that helps.
Answer
Since it is as large as it it I would stay with the tree for the time being. I would treat the tree with an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. This is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will carry the insecticide to the trunk and limbs. This will prevent an insect called a borer from infesting the trunk.
I would also fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. This will increase the health of the tree. Go ahead and prune the dead branches off and over time the tree should fill out and return to the full shape. IF for some reason the tree dies back more next year then I would consider replacing it. But for now try an keep it.
Here is a web link to the Bayer product check with your local nursery fro this product.
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Tree-Shrub-Insect-Control/concentrate.html
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