Ants: Problem or not?

[africanarborist]

Good morning, a friend in Botswana is concerned about ants excavating soil within the root systems of an established Leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe). These ants are doing this in order to construct their nest. They are not feeding on the tree or it’s roots.

Can this compromise the structural integrity of the tree? And are there any more potential issues?

As far as I am aware, the ants shouldn’t be regarded as a problem. Their presence may even be beneficial. Would be great to hear some comments regarding this situation.

 

Many thanks.

 

Mike

[Stubby]

On 21/02/2022 at 08:20, africanarborist said:

 

Good morning, a friend in Botswana is concerned about ants excavating soil within the root systems of an established Leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe). These ants are doing this in order to construct their nest. They are not feeding on the tree or it’s roots.

Can this compromise the structural integrity of the tree? And are there any more potential issues?

As far as I am aware, the ants shouldn’t be regarded as a problem. Their presence may even be beneficial. Would be great to hear some comments regarding this situation.

 

Many thanks.

 

Mike

 

Can't help Mike . Sorry . Don't know enough about the situation to comment   . 

[Island Lescure]

On 21/02/2022 at 13:50, africanarborist said:

 

Good morning, a friend in Botswana is concerned about ants excavating soil within the root systems of an established Leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe). These ants are doing this in order to construct their nest. They are not feeding on the tree or it’s roots.

Can this compromise the structural integrity of the tree? And are there any more potential issues?

As far as I am aware, the ants shouldn’t be regarded as a problem. Their presence may even be beneficial. Would be great to hear some comments regarding this situation.

 

Many thanks.

 

Mike

 

Depends (as usual). Here, south east India, it sometimes happens that an ant colony excavates fast enough that a tree can't react with the void being created around its root plate fast enough and then the tree can fail or just partially fail. Most of the time it is fine. Plenty of colonies just at the base of trees. Only seen smaller trees affected (<20cm dia). Anyway, Indian context so it might not be relevant, but might be of interest.