How can i stop ants going down tree trunk into the ground? Are they making a nest?
If the ants are small, they are probably either Odorous house ants or Little black ants – both are totally harmless to your japanese maple tree. If you nicked the tree during planting there may be some sap from the tree that will attract the ants. It is also possible that there are aphids in the tree that are attracting the ants. Ants tend to aphids, collecting the precious honeydew that they excrete. Check for aphids before you use insecticide – deal with the aphids appropriately, if they are present, and you will in turn send the ants packing. Ants without aphids are not going to harm the tree. Good luck!
