Question
I have 16 Bradford Pear Trees and there are lots of bored holes on the trunk of several trees. My question is,what has caused this?What can I do about this problem?
                                        Thank You,
                                        Kay Mullen

Answer
If these holes are in a line around the tree trunk they are caused by a woodpecker called a sap sucker. these birds make these holes and the tree exudes sap and insects come and feed on the sap and the bird returns and feeds on the insects. They will not harm the tree. The best way to rid the tree of sap suckers is to spray the trunk where the holes are with and insecticide this will prevent the insects from coming and the birds will go away. You can use any common insecticide--malathion, sevin or ready mixed home defense sprays.