Q A large branch broke off our maple tree last fall. There was no wind or any cause that we could tell, except that there were carpenter ants all over it. Would the ants have gotten into the whole tree? What should I do and whom should I call to make sure the tree won't fall on my house? This is really a big tree and I hate to lose it.
A If the tree is not doing well, it is not because of the carpenter ants. Although it's common for carpenter ants to nest in trees, they do so in the nonliving parts (dead limbs or the nonliving tissue in the center of the tree). Carpenter ants do not kill healthy trees. Something else caused the branch to die. But once the ants inhabit the wood, their tunneling could have weakened the limb and contributed to its breaking.
Contact a tree service expert or city forester to diagnose your tree's condition.
Jeff Hahn, entomologist, University of Minnesota Extension
Cleaning wicker Q How do I clean a very dirty white wicker rocker that I found at a garage sale?
A A mixture of Murphy's Oil soap and water works well. A good implement to use is a paintbrush in which the bristle length has been cut by half. That creates a brush with the stiffness to clean, yet soft enough to get into cracks and crevices.
Apply a soapy water mix and wash the wicker with a brush or soft cloth. Rinse with a quick spray of the garden hose.
Tilt to help drain and wipe dry with a soft cloth or paper towels. Let the wicker air-dry for a couple of days before using it.
