I suppose anything is possible, our Oak tree was attacked one time by some kind of worms, almost stripped the leaves, it won't happen again, we give it a systemic insect product for trees, shrubs etc. and it works just great! on all plants...

My understanding is that termites do not eat living wood, so if this is true, then any termites in the tree must be in dead areas. I would think they could be gotten rid of by removing dead wood. Or if they are working at the heart of the tree, then maybe the tree is in trouble. But I would think the city should remove all the dead wood, especially if the tree has termites. Then it wouldn't NEED to be treated!

Just my random thoughts.....

Marcia

Once the tree is dead the city will remove it, but my house faces west & I hate to lose the afternoon shade. Maybe I will contact a reputable tree service & find out what can be done to save it. Get an estimate & decide if the shade is worth the price. Thanks

I hate to tell you this but there is a species of termites that can infest a live tree. Usually, it's a tree that is weak. Several decades ago, a ship at the Port of New Orleans brought in Formosan termites. Then, years later, a colony was discovered in Lake Charles, LA.; again brought in by a cargo vessel to our port. They are now all along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. If there is a water source above ground, these particular termites do not have to live subterranean. Many live oak trees in New Orleans and Lake Charles have been damaged. The termite companies will not write termite insurance on Formosan termites. They are truly bad boys. You don't want them near your house.

Steve

I think your idea to have a pro take a look and give you the real scoop is a good one, happy girl. Then you'll know for sure what you are dealing with, and whether or not the tree needs to be removed. Good luck!!!

Marcia

lac1361 is 100% correct. Formosan termites will eat living trees. They can even survive in an attic if they can get water from a condensate pipe or other source. I hear they've killed some beautiful 100 plus year old oak tree in New Orleans.

Dry termites live in oak. I think they live in the dead wood but I am not sure about they. They fly off in pairs in the summer and find a new home, They are different than the subterranean termites.

The house we just bought had dry termites in the attic. The previous owners tented before we closed.

I had an arborist come out. The one smaller tree I wanted to remove any
way has some termite damage. My oaks are fine. I asked about the one
species I had read of that feeds on live wood, and he said he has never
seen termites in live wood, only in decayed sections of trees no more
than 2-5 ft from the ground. He said trees of the age and size we have naturally have dead wood on them (dried, dead branches that haven't been cleaned out), but the termites aren't going to get to them, because they are too far from the ground.

The pest control guy told us that the dry ones are up in the trees and in any dead wood. He said the get in the attics/roofs when the limbs fall or just from swarming to find new locations.