Removing a Dead Ironbark + Termites!

Felling a small dead Grey Ironbark on our property at Kuttabul and disturbing a large termite nest. Ironbark (Eucalyptus drepanophylla) often grows in competition with a range of fungi which feast on the heart wood of the tree, usually creating a cylindrical cavity. Eventually this will either overwhelm the tree or weaken it sufficiently so that it will break in high wind.

Termites do not feed on living wood, but love the leftover pulp after the fungis have done their work. In this tree, the rot was most excessive in the wood 2-3 meters above the ground level. Those found were in their swarmer / reproductive state and considering the humid weather were most likely about to swarm.

Undamaged Ironbark make for great fence posts and are good for smoking. From this tree, I split 3 x 2.4m posts and the rest will be just outdoor firewood as the termites introduce a lot of dirt. Not a lot of demand for firewood for 9 months in this part of the world.

*This is not an instructional video on felling trees safely. I am YouTube certified only and still learning by practicing on dead trees that are away from danger.

Видео Removing a Dead Ironbark + Termites! канала Steve Tye