Two falls ago, a derecho blew through my state (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) selectively knocking down trees, houses, etc. Unfortunately it chose to remove 8 of our 100 year plus old oak trees (our neighbor to the South suffered zero damage. In any event, we decided last spring to plant a young oak tree on the West side of our lot. The tree itself looks like it is doing well. Hardly any damage to the leaves, bark, etc. Upon examination last week, I noticed that there appeared to be an ant freeway up and down the trunk. Just your typical small brown ants. busily marching up and down the trunk. Upon further examination, I notice what appeared to be termites scurrying amongst the mulch at he base of the trunk. Panicking, I dug out the mulch, sprayed the area, and the bugs, with Black Flag Ant Spray and then filled the dish I had created around the base with water. In retrospect, that probably wasn't the wisest course of action, but what's done is done. My dilemma now, it what should I do next? My immediate inclination is to make sure the bugs are gone, fill the bowl with fresh dirt and then cover it with fresh much, hoping I haven't done any real damage to the tree. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
what a shame to lose those trees!
