Hello. I incorrectly posted this message to the Guestbook.
There is a very large poplar tree close to a house my brother bought. He has several concerns about the tree: 1) Its bark is peeling near the base of the tree; 2) woodpeckers are busily at work on the tree; 3) carpenter ants are going about their business in and around the tree.
A couple of arborists have assured my brother that there is there is nothing to worry about; nevertheless, he is worried..
We would welcome and be grateful for any recommendations.
Many thanks!

Reply to post by Rose Mary Pirraglia, on April 13, 2000 at 19:16:19:

RoseMary,

The condition you have described may indicate decay in the lower trunk. Generally speaking, peeling bark, woodpeckers, and carpenter ants are not good things to have on the same tree. Even though you have had arborists look at the tree it might be wise to have a Registered Consulting Arborist, a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists look at the tree, particularly if there is a risk of personal injury or property damage if the tree should fail.

Contact ASCA at (301) 947-0483 for a referral to someone in your area.

Wayne