Cutting Down A Tree With Termites

In this article, we’ll be looking at termite infestation on trees and how to get rid of them. Of course, a full-blown infestation on a live tree will require safely cutting down and disposing of the tree.

How To Remove A Tree With Termites

Termites are among the worst pest problems you can encounter. These highly destructive pests will target your home, clothing, wood, live trees, and wooden structures among others.

With termites around, it’s only a matter of time before the extent of their damage becomes evident.

In this article, we’ll be looking at termite infestation on trees and how to get rid of them. Of course, a full-blown infestation on a live tree will require safely cutting down and disposing of the tree.

As you read on, you’ll find information on safe ways to carry out the procedure.

• Are Live Trees Vulnerable to Termite Attack?

They are! However, not all termite species will feast on live trees. Formosan termites are most notorious for live tree infestations.

Other termite species will readily feast on dead or fallen trees and tree products. So, with the main culprits identified, what are common signs that reveal their presence?

There are several such signs to look out for. While that is true, figuring out the problem can sometimes be difficult for the untrained eye.

Luckily we’ve provided a number of signs that point to termite presence in your trees.

Signs of Termite Tree Damage

Before a tree is marked for removal, there needs to be a definite understanding of the problem. For termites, common signs include mud tubes along with the bark, termites at the base of trees, and flying termites.

Any or all of these signs should call for urgent action on your part. Let’s discuss each of these signs for more clarity.

• Mud Tubes Along with Tree Bark

When termites infest a tree, they’re likely to build mud tubes along with the bark of the tree.

Such tubes help preserve their body moisture while also keeping them safe from predators. Plus, mud tubes help termites easily access certain sections of the tree from their nest.

When inspecting for termites, these tubes serve as clear signs of their presence. A basic visual check will easily reveal these tubes or tunnels.

You don’t have to be a pest professional to be able to identify this symptom of termite presence.

• Termites at Base of Tree

Most termite issues in trees begin from the ground where they get easy access.

A close inspection of the base of the tree might reveal their presence in tree roots as well as show signs of hollow wood or bark at the base of the tree.

You might need a little tool such as a screwdriver to poke or probe for proof.

• Flying Termites

Flying or swarming termites offer clear proof of their presence in a tree.

This situation is more common after a rain shower. You might want to closely inspect during such times to see if there are swarms and also ascertain the severity or seriousness of the situation.

Cutting Down a Termite-Infested Tree should be the Last Resort

In most cases, termite-infested trees are only cut down when the infestation is determined to be full-blown.

In other words, such infestation may be severe and has caused irreversible damage to the tree. The stability of the tree may also be affected.

It’s best to involve an expert in the inspection process.

A thorough assessment determines if the infestation can be treated without cutting the tree or whether a more drastic approach (tree removal) is necessary.

Recommendations on further actions are given after the inspection procedure.

Cutting Down a Termite-Infested Tree Safely

When it’s determined that a termite-infested tree needs to go down, you’ll have to figure out what actions to take to ensure the job is completed safely and efficiently.

First off, you’ll have to decide who performs the job. This determines what other actions are taken to have the job completed.

• DIY or Professional Approach?

Removing a termite-infested tree poses a lot of risks.

First off, there’s a possibility that the tree could be unstable, secondly, adequate experience is essential to safely perform the job without encountering significant danger.

These require selecting a workable approach.

As a DIY’er, cutting down a termite-infested tree could present serious risks. An unstable tree makes the job less predictable. There’s little you can do through the DIY technique as it tends to have lots of flaws.

Apart from dealing with an unstable tree, you have to still ensure all termites are killed.

Termites are difficult pests to deal with. This reality makes the job more complex. In a nutshell, it’s a procedure that wouldn’t give many results as termites might remain even after cutting down the tree.

It’s best to hand over the job to trained and experienced technicians who are skilled in this type of job.

• Get Basic Safety Gear

Cutting down a termite-infested tree will require getting the right safety gear and tools.

These consist of closed-toe boots, safety goggles, ear muffs, and a long-sleeved shirt & pants. Tools include a chain saw, ladder, and harness, among several others.

• Applying Pesticides to Affected Area

At this point, there may be some initial treatment of surrounding areas to prevent termites from spreading to surrounding trees. The ground and base of the tree are treated using appropriate pesticides.

With the tree and surrounding areas treated, the tree is ready to be cut down.

• Pruning Tree Branches

At this stage, pruning of tree branches commences.

This will require climbing up the tree to do a good job. However, there are risks attached to this procedure as certain limbs may be weakened from termite damage.

That is why it’s best to have a professional perform this action.

• Cutting down the Tree and Clearing the Area Immediately

When the branches are finally cut, the tree is also cut down.

For best results, grinding of the tree stump and root removal has to follow as termites may still remain within these areas. Here, it’s evident that the tree cutting process involves a lot of work.

That is why you need professional help.

The cut tree must not remain on the ground for long as it could further worsen termite infestation and lead to more spread.

Cutting down a tree with termites becomes necessary when significant damage has been caused. Under such conditions, the damage cannot be reversed.

By cutting such a tree, you help eliminate the potential hazard caused by an unstable tree.