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Carpenter Ant Tree Damage Warning

Above All Tree Service
Above All Tree Service August 12th, 2026

carpenter ant tree damage little falls

🌳 That tree in your yard might look perfectly fine — and be completely hollow inside.

We pulled this one down recently right here in the southwest metro.

From the outside — a mature, leafed-out tree with no visible red flags. When we made the cut, this is what we found inside.

Carpenter ants had been at work for years.

Here’s what most homeowners don’t know: carpenter ants don’t eat wood — they excavate it. They move into wood that’s already been softened by moisture or rot and keep tunneling, season after season, while the outside of the tree may show almost nothing.

Signs to watch for in your yard

🔍 Coarse, reddish sawdust (called “frass”) at the base of a tree
🔍 Large black ants trailing up the trunk — especially in the evening
🔍 Soft or spongy spots in the bark when you press on it
🔍 Dead branches appearing in the upper canopy for no clear reason
🔍 Winged ants emerging from the tree in spring

If your tree is near your house, a driveway, or anywhere your family spends time — this is worth a look before the next storm.

We offer free assessments. Give us a call and we’ll come take a look — no obligation, no pressure.

📞 (763) 310-4582
🌐 abovealltreeservice.net
📍 Apple Valley · Burnsville · Eagan · Lakeville · South Metro
🏆 BBB Accredited · A+ Rating · 10 Years in Business

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