Question
Trunk Holes
Hello,
I have what I think are several flowering or ornamental pear trees on my property. One of them has a series of holes that are really quite impressive (see attached photo). I am concerned that this could be the work of a Sapsucker, Woodpecker, inspect or beetle. Could please take a look and see what you think? I live on Long Island in the state of New York. After providing your answer please also suggest a course of action. If I can provide any additional information, please get back to me. Thank you very much for any information you can provide.
Best regards,
Tony Nasta
AnswerSapsuckers are a type of woodpecker. They make the small holes in rows around the tree trunk. Some woodpeckers make large hole when they construct their nests.
Most woodpeckers rely on insects and tree sap as their primary sources of food. Many woodpeckers feed almost entirely on insects, finding a majority of them beneath the bark on dead tree limbs and in other situations where their feeding is considered beneficial. However, the yellow-bellied sapsucker relies on the sap of trees for over half of its food, with the balance of its diet consisting of insects, berries, and fruits.
The damage consists of rows of neatly spaced horizontal or vertical holes in tree trunks and branches. Rarely does the woodpecker kill a tree but its feeding may weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to secondary disease and insect problems.
Trees with thick bark (oak) are damaged little. Where as trees with thin bark (maple) can be damaged a great deal by the holes.
The sapsucker makes the holes and the tree produces a drop of sap in the hole--insects come to feed on the sap and the woodpecker returns to feed on the insects. There is not need to fill the holes-the tree will heal over these by themselves. To stop insects from coming and thus discourage the woodpecker from feeding I would spray the area with a insecticide. Something like malathion or sevin will kill the insects and the woodpeckers will leave.
Doing nothing is ok too since the trees health is not going to be damage.
