QuestionI noticed a woodpecker on our weeping willow and went to look at the tree. It looks bad. There are a lot of holes and the trunk has turned pretty dark. We hope we can save it. Is there anything we can do? Hope it's not too late.
AnswerSounds like sap sucker damage. These are wood pecker type birds that make the holes and when insects come to eat the sap in the holes the birds return to eat 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. The tree will heal over the wounds without any further help.
