Landscaping - rotting near tree base

hi folks –

Been living in this house for about 7 years now. I have this large tree in the corner of the backyard. I think it’s a maple? (please see pictures). I guess at one time there was some trimming done down at the bottom of the tree near the ground. Looks like the trunk was actually splitting into 2 main branches near the ground and someone cut one branch off? (Please see picture below).

While trimming around the tree a few days ago I noticed that the stump for the branching section that was cut off is rotting and has ants in it. I don’t remember noticing anything wrong last year – but maybe I missed it. The tree looks healthy to me otherwise - but I know nothing about trees. Is this really bad news for that tree? Rot and ants don’t seem like a good sign to me. I also see moss growing on the tree. Guess that’s a bad sign too? Is there anything I can do?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr355/zoesdaddy/DSC00552.jpg

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr355/zoesdaddy/DSC00553.jpg

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr355/zoesdaddy/DSC00556.jpg

What a nice looking tree! The moss and lichens won't hurt your tree. Wildlife eat and use the moss and lichens for nest building, etc.
http://www.lichen.com/animals.html

It does appear there were either two trees growing there or a root sprout was cut down. I'd say to wiggle the rotted part and remove as much as you can without damaging the bark of the good tree. The ants are carpenter ants and are eating the rotting wood from the stump.

Newt

Yep..what Newt said. Someone didn't cut it correctly (angled cut) if they had, might not have been as big an issue.

If it won't wiggle easily for removal, you might be able to carefully make a low angled cut and remove it lower down.

I like the look of the lichens also...reminds me of where I grew up.

Thanks very much Newt. Really glad to hear I shouldn’t be too concerned about the lichens. Thanks for the good link.( I especially like the part about the flying squirrels. )

As you suggest I’ll wiggle and take care of the rotted part without damaging the bark of the good tree. Whew! Not so worried now. (Ok- so those little rascals are carpenter ants! I’m going to evict them without notice. )

Thanks again!

And just heard from you gunguy. Gotcha gunguy. I could do the cut you suggest if need be. I knew something about angle cuts being the correct way but it didn’t click when I looked at that tree. Thanks for your input.

Zoesdad, how did it go? Was it easy to remove? Did the ants get angry with you for removing their food source?

Newt