Thank you Bill. Can I use a chain saw to cut through the hole and see how bad the issue is? If so how to do it safely, not only to myself, and also not to bring more damage to the tree.

the tree is dying.. from the inside out ... if it threatens ANYTHING .. house.. kids.. you.. neighbor.. etc ... IT HAS TO BE REMOVED .... its falling apart without wind or storm.. what more do you need to know????

you need an onsite inspection by a certified arborist ,... but i would skip that cost.. and just invest in removal ...

if you want a preview of an arborists opinion.. you could give us a pic of the situation of the whole tree ...

i have no idea what you might expect to find.... by chainsawing into the tree ... only to open a bigger wound..... which will only make it rot faster... you can not fill the hole ... 'to fix it' ...

as noted... the ants are only taking advantage of a pre-existing problem ....

ken

" You can get an Arborist out there and have an on site evaluation but the tree appears to be in serious decline. "

Just to clarify my previous statement above.

" You can get an Arborist out there and have an on site evaluation but the tree appears to be in serious decline AND should be removed. "

Sorry for any confusion I might have caused. :-)

Thank you guys. This is the full picture of the tree. It serves the purpose extremely well here in Texas during summer time. Overall doesn't appear to be sick that's why I'm saying something like cut out the hole for an examination. I will consider completely remove the tree.

Any comments are welcome.

baoluo_cheng's ideas · More Info

baoluo_cheng's ideas · More Info

Large branch wounds, showing in the pictures, that have not been encapsulated by the tree, are entryways for rot and other pathogens to enter.

The large rotted hole in your original pictures, appears to be on the lower part of the tree? This could have originated from one of these cuts or from stress caused by other things, drought being one of them.

The tree is basically hollow in that area and could break off the trunk there in the next wind storm.

The major things supporting the tree at that location is the outer bark, inner bark and cambium/ xylem layers. That's why the tree continues to grow, because the upper parts are still being fed by those outside layers.

A small percentage of healthy heartwood exists, which is the strength of the tree.

And the heartwood will continue to dwindle over time.

If the tree was in a location where nothing would feel it fall, it might not matter or it might last several years depending on other variables. I'd maybe start another tree in that area this fall and make plans to remove the sick tree anytime soon. Just make sure that fence and maybe the building on the other side is insured for replacement costs.

Hard to loose a tree, I know.

Thanks again Bill. The reason for me to insist on a research is there's another gum ball tree in the back yard. Similar in size or even a little bit bigger. How can I know it's healthy? I'd better remove it also if it's rotten inside before it hits my house or fence.

That's what These guys are for. Probably one in your area.

I heard a large portion of Texas had recently emerged from several years of severe drought. Damaged trees are one of the results of these types of events.

Some insurance companies are now including tree inspections, near buildings, by ISA arborist into their policies. Ask you agent if they pay for that. Some do. It's cheaper than paying for fixing a house.