Question
A large limbed branch broke from the east side of our tree Bradford Pear Tree. It split into the tree to about four inches deep and almost to the ground.

We had the limb removed and the tree was sprayed with Pruning Spray.  We used restraining belts to help hold limbs together.

On exanimining the tree we found small 1/4 inch holes, one after the other, bored into the tree.  The holes mostly go around the tree.  What can we use to save this tree?

I would appericiate your help in saving this tree.

Thank you,

Dessie Durham


Answer
If the holes are in a straight line and look like a machine gun fired them it is woodpecker holes and nothing to worry about. If the holes are random on the trunk it maybe borers and in this case spray the trunk with an insecticide. Check with your local nursery/ garden type store for an insecticide for borers. Bradford pears are very prone to breakage of the limbs as they get older (wind and ice usually). One future breakage pruning paint is not needed and will slow the healing process.