Yes, there are insects working on it. Maybe your local USDA Cooperative Extension Service office will be able to suggest what kind is likely to be producing this fine sawdust in your area.

could we have a pic of the whole tree.. in situ ...

does it endanger anything??

might help to ID the tree .. as a starting point... a pic of the leaves/needle.. length.. and number in the sheath.. would go far in that regard ...

i wonder if it is rotting in the interior...

ken

Thanks. Here are some more pics. Definitely looks like some insects have been eating away at the insides. The tree “looks” healthy. Normally, the pines in our area are attached by the turpentine beetles. But they burrow through the bark.

These would be seen coming and going on top of the ground.

The strange thing is that I have looked for any inspects and there are none going in or out of where the mound of sawdust it. I am familiar with carpenter ants as we had a small infestation in the side of the house which I was able to successfully eliminate. But in the case of this tree, no such ants. Another thing is that the pile of sawdust has remained the same size since the first time I noticed it several months ago.

There are various boring insects that can affect pines and all will result in an accumulation of fine sawdust at the base of the tree. You won't necessarily see these insects - they are already in the interior or under the bark and will be tunneling/feeding their way into the heartwood.

third pic.. immediately above ...

a huge low limb historically cut off ... and idea why ... or before your time???

something going on below that cut.. though i cant really figure it out.. from the expanded pic .... any idea ... feel like posting another pic .???

it seems its way out in the yard ... so its not a threat to anything ... thats good ..

i am thinking.. fwiw ... this tree is past its prime ... and is eventually going to fail ... and that could happen anytime in the next 20 to 50 years ... [or sooner.. but since its way out there.. so be it] ..... and until it does.. i would enjoy contemplating such.. with adult beverages during cool evening ... [not august.. where i am ... lol ...]

would i waste any money on trying to save grandpa ... probably not ... just stow some money away for the eventual removal/cleanup ... i am sure there are plenty of snake oil salesmen.. and woman ... who would gladly take your money for remedies that basically will never accomplish anything... provable .... it might make you feel better ... but who can say it will really add any years to its life ...

ken

ps: looks a bit telephone poled ... the root flare has been buried.. any idea why ... or again.. before your time????

Ken, that tree is going to be around long after I'm gone. Yes, all that stuff was before my time.