Large black or black-and-red ants, a quarter inch or bigger, trailing steadily up and down the trunk, most visible at dusk. Small piles of coarse sawdust at the base or caught in bark crevices, mixed with insect body parts. A hollow sound when you knock on the lower trunk. Sometimes winged ants swarming from the trunk in spring — pinched waist and elbowed antennae, which is how you separate them from termites.
Within weeks
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Carpenter ants do not eat wood and cannot chew sound heartwood. They hollow galleries in wood already softened by moisture and decay fungi. Their presence tells you a decay pocket exists inside the trunk, usually larger than it appears from outside, and that it stays wet. The ants are tenants, not the cause of the damage — but they are a dependable indicator that the interior is not solid.
This is normally a hazardous tree removal job, which around here runs $800 to $5,000 depending on size and access. Treat that as a range, not a quote — nobody can price it without seeing it.
820 E Main St, Westfield, IN 46074
“We had an issue with a fairly new tree that was planted in the front lawn. The Xanderbuilt staff came out and diagnosed the issue of compacted clay…”
David Barrabee · 2 years ago · Google
14706 Harvest Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
“Anthony and his team did an excellent job of removing multiple trees in my back and side yard, along with stump grinding. They also did a bunch of…”
Frances Russell · 4 months ago · Google
14500 Dublin Dr, Carmel, IN 46033
“I have no words and I am truly speechless at the work Roger and his crew did on my home! I received a few quotes and not only was Roger competitive…”
David M. Johnson · 2 months ago · Google
4621 E 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033
“The entire staff is great to work with and, while they are a bit expensive, they do careful work and are extremely professional. In a previous…”
David Morris · a month ago · Google
152 Lotus Dr Apt 1, Carmel, IN 46032
“Romeo and his crew did a fantastic job for us! Trimmed back two large red maple trees that were very overgrown, cut down a pine tree and ground up…”
Alex Miller · 2 months ago · Google
605 Sheridan Rd Unit 5303, Noblesville, IN 46060
“Eric and his assistant were very efficient and effective in the lower branch pruning of my three Norway Spruce trees. Eric was very detailed in his…”
Jim Eggleston · 10 months ago · Google
111 Shoshone Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
“I got a few quotes but Chris from Carmel Tree Service gave me the best bid by far on the job. They showed up right on time with all the heavy duty…”
John Gibson · 3 months ago · Google
14640 River Rd, Noblesville, IN 46062
“Wow! I have had a lot of trees removed in my 82 years! These guys get it done and rather quickly. Their equipment is head spinning and jaw dropping…”
George Roberto · 8 years ago · Google
801 N 15th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
“Indy Lumberjacks did a fantastic job on removing our redbud tree. It was diseased and ready to fall. Dean Hudnall and his crew of Indy Lumberjacks…”
Allen Sparenblek · 3 months ago · Google
8811 Saville Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060
“I have used Green Tree Service for tree removal many times and each time they have far exceeded my expectations. Recently, a wind gust in our area…”
Asad Rana · 3 months ago · Google
10503 Becker Ct, Fishers, IN 46038
“I highly recommend Stumped LLC. Karl was very prompt at returning my online inquiry even though it was a busy time. He came out and gave me a…”
Christy Garner · 5 years ago · Google
10795 E 300 S, Zionsville, IN 46077
“Just got our new tree put in, the process from start to finish was great! When we first visited to pick out our tree, the gentleman (I think Matt? He…”
caleb warren · a year ago · Google
Distance measured from Westfield.