You’ve probably seen a tree trunk with a hole in it. But have you ever wondered what causes this phenomenon and whether it might be harmful to the tree?
Before calling for tree services in McLean, VA, read on to discover some potential answers to what may be boring holes in the trunks of your trees.
The Bugs
Insects like ants and spiders often make themselves at home in trees. While some can be beneficial, too many of them can bleed the tree dry of resources. Other bugs, like termites, can be completely parasitic, chewing through layer after layer of bark.
One such insect is the incredibly invasive emerald ash borer, also known as the EAB. These small, metallic green beetles came to the U.S. in 2002 and have been devastating the country’s ash trees since. Identifying wood-boring insect damage isn’t always easy, but emerald ash borer exit holes have a distinct D shape.
Call an arborist immediately if you notice D-shaped holes in ash trees in your yard. While their holes aren’t huge, the creatures attracted by the insects will only make them worse.
The Birds
Woodpeckers cause widespread damage to many trees. They seek out insect larvae that develop in decaying wood, like EAB larvae. So, really, they follow the insects rather than causing the damage first.
Compared to them, sapsuckers can be much more annoying. They target healthy trees for sap, favoring maples and oaks in general. Woodpecker vs. sapsucker holes differ greatly: woodpeckers dig deep, large holes to pick out insects, while sapsuckers dig tiny, horizontal holes.
So far, you might think that repairing tree damage shouldn’t be that much of a challenge, especially if all you’re dealing with is a few holes. But that’s because we haven’t even gotten to the biggest offenders on our list.
The Beasts
Once the sapsuckers have made an easy path to the sap in your trees, squirrels, badgers, and other wildlife will also want a taste. This leads them to dig further, damaging the bark and wood, and making the hole deeper. These wounds can lead to pest infestations, fungal infections, and more.
All of this being said, human error can’t be excused. Bad maintenance habits, like failing to clean pruning equipment or poor pruning timing, can lead to illnesses. A tree’s wound can fester and lead to decay, causing a hole to develop and get wider over time.
Tree Health Inspections in McLean, VA
Tree cavity containment can be difficult when there are so many ways holes can appear in your trees. You only know some of what causes large holes in tree trunks, too; we didn’t even cover storms or tree-borne illnesses.
The Heart of Wood team handles your tree care woes with expertise, detailed diagnoses, and proper follow-up treatment. Never underestimate the benefits of tree risk assessments and how much you can get out of them. To experience what true arboricultural care feels like, call (571) 482-0996 and request a free estimate today.