Tree holes in a row from woodpecker damage

Woodpecker Damage on Trees

Rows of holes in a tree trunk are caused by woodpeckers

Sapsuckers are migratory birds that spend winter in the southern United States, Central America and the Caribbean and summer in the north. While insects are a major part of their diet, they also feed on sap. They test trees and feed only in those that have the best quality sap – high in sugar and amino acids.

Sugar maples are favored for the same reason that humans tap them. Other favorite trees include aspen, birch, magnolia, maple, poplar and pine. These birds will feed on more than 250 species of woody plants.

In this case, the damage is nothing to worry about. The blackening of the bark comes from excess sap dripping down the trunk being colonized by fungi. The fungi are not damaging to the tree but grow on the carbohydrate-rich sap. It is similar to the sooty mold that grows on the excrement of certain insects that we politely call “honeydew.” The flowing sap may attract other birds, including hummingbirds as well as bats, porcupines and insects such as bees and wasps.

Holes in a row are a sure sign!

To prevent this type of damage, wrap the trunk in burlap and pin it in place until the worst of their feeding is past. Then the wrap should be removed. However, this is not necessary for you because the damage is pretty minimal.

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Flowering tree photos

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