HELP, 80YEAR OLD MAPLE TREE HAS LOTS OF FAGUS
AND HOLES AROUND THE BOTTOM AND NOW THERE ARE
AUNTS,WASP,BIG WATER BUGS & BLACK WIDOWS COMING
FROM THE HOLES, WHAT SHOULD I DO.

Reply to post by GINGER CONARD, on July 18, 2000 at 04:01:00:

First, I presume you mean 'fungus' around the bottom of the tree.

Apparently the tree has some old injuries that have allowed decay to start in the trunk. The other things you mentioined, various insects, etc, are secondary to the decay. Ants and other critters are probably not affectingthe tree directly, but are living in the decayed wood, or feeding on the fungus and other critters that are there. It is basically a small community in its own right.

As to what to do for it- that will depend on how serious or extensive the decay is. I can't offer more than a few guesses on the Internet. The best thing for you to do is to contact a local arborist to inspectt he tree and offer his advice directly.

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com

Good luck. Post more here if you still have questions.