here is a beautiful tree
What Do Trees and Ants have to do
with each other?
"Ants and
Trees have a relationship that dates back
for a very long time. We are not here to change this relationship, however;
if we are to better ourselves and our environment,
it is important to understand ants and how important
they are to the trees. They provide for them the means to reproduce and to grow far away
from parents, as well provide protection."
Andy Lopez
The Invisible Gardener
But we have also learned that ants respond to stress and imbalance. Our environment is
constantly under stress due to the workings of mankind. We can watch the ants and
learn from them. The ants will tell you when a tree is under stress and needs help.
Ants will climb up the trees that are weak from stress, etc., brings with them aphids and
other creatures which attack the trees. Aphids for example produce a sweet nectar which
the ants love. It is also this nectar that brings fungus and other pests. In
order to help the tree recover, you must first remove the ants that are climbing the tree.
This is done in several ways:
1... Water can be sprayed from a hose to wash the ants off the tree. Must be repeated
to be effective. I would add a little Dr Bronner Soap to a
gallon water and spray around the trunk of the tree. A
natural dog shampoo with pyrethrum would work well also.
2...Read ant control to best determine how
to control the ants. Use the ant cafes to do this.
3... Place a barrier around the trunk of the tree. This
will deny the ants access to the tree. One good barrier is called Tree
Tangelfoot (use lightly) and is
available at most nurseries.
If you are still having an ant and
tree problem or if you need help with this problem, think about Joining and let the Invisible Gardener help you too.
you have any questions or comments:
Members, please
leave question in our Ask Andy forum.
Non members should subscribe to receive our free radio show, then you can send me email and I will answer the question on the air!
Thank You
Andy Lopez
The Invisible Gardener
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