ash tree wound in trunk

[greengo17]

Hi all,

 

I have an ash tree that has a wound in its trunk that stretches from the ground to about one metre in height. The wound is on the north side of the trunk. The tree is at least 30 years old and about 8m tall. I noticed for many years that there was always lichen covering the branches of the crown and also that some long branches never produced leaves but the majority of branches produce leaves every year. Only noticed about a year ago that it has this wound. I have noticed something has been boring into it. There is an ant hill not more than a meter from it. Was hoping if someone can tell me what the cause of the rot might be and if the tree can be saved? Many thanks for your help.

[Daniël Bos]

Looks like physical damage to me, ie the tree got damaged by impact, strimmer, animals, vehicle or some such. This might also have been caused by the strange hovering black blocks, I dont trust them!

 

The holes in the picture appear to be in wood that's been dead and rotting away for a while, so whoever is eating the wood isn't causing the tree further damage.

It's hard to predict the future of the tree without close examination to see to what extent the trunk has been hollowed out.

But even if it's completely hollow the tree could live for another 100 years.

 

Is there anything nearby the tree would damage if it were to keel over? If not I'd just leave it, maybe take the deadwood out of the crown if it's in a well used area.

If there's any targets of value nearby I'd fell and replace.

[Stubby]

Those hovering black blocks are dodgy IMO . Like something out of Dr Who

[greengo17]

yeah those squares do make a weird impression. i appreciate the insights about physical damage its possible i went a bit to close with a strimmer or mower. i couldnt let the tree fall by itself since it is right next to a brick shed and within range of a neighbour's garden but the tree seems quite stable at the moment. i'll keep a close eye on it and get a professional in to assess if it worsens .