Knowledgebase

Japanese Holly bark #867177

Asked May 06, 2024, 8:25 AM EDT

Good morning, While pruning my holly shrubs I noticed this odd pattern of holes on the bark. It seems to be limited to this one shrub. Would you please identify what it is/the cause and advise if there is action I should take to resolve it? Thank you very much!

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

That is the work of one of our native woodpeckers, called a Sapsucker. They drill holes to feed on sap and they can be slowly enlarged over time as you are seeing.

There is nothing that you need to do. Some may say to wrap the trunk to try and protect it but that may just encourage the bird to move on to other trees in the vicinity. 
You can see the bird and similar sap wells at this page from the Maryland Biodiversity Project website: 
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/1152

Here is our page on woodpeckers: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees/


Christine
Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 9:04 AM EDT
Thank you so much for your prompt response. 

I would never have thought a woodpecker was responsible for that. I suppose that is a good thing and am glad to learn it isn’t something more serious. 

I recognize that woodpecker.  He frequents my bird feeder.

Mystery solved!  

Thank you again.  
The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 12:48 PM EDT
You're welcome.
Native birds are wonderful to have around.
Thank you for making room for them.
Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT

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