I have planted many fruit trees, this being my first year on this land. What I'm finding is alot of ants around the base of the trees and some going up them. All look healthy. There just first year trees so only the apple trees have a few fruit on them. At this point I don't know what there going after as the leaves look nice and no signs of bugs, aphids etc. I do have mulch at the base of the trees. It may be just the water as it's been hot but I would like them gone.

What can I do to keep these buggers away from the trees safely.