Oak tree hole in bark - Ask Extension
I found a 1/2 inch by 6 inch deep hole with sap running down bark of tree. The hole is approx 4 feet from the ground of a 70 foot tree. What could it ...
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Oak tree hole in bark #871877
Asked June 06, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
I found a 1/2 inch by 6 inch deep hole with sap running down bark of tree. The hole is approx 4 feet from the ground of a 70 foot tree. What could it be and how can we address it?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
This looks like a boring insect hole. A woodpecker would be making more irregular holes from drilling and a sapsucker woodpecker would probably make multiple holes.
How is the overall tree health? Is there any canopy dieback? any branches turning brown and falling? Boring insects tend to be a secondary response to stressed trees. They can sense that the trees health is in decline and move in to help with the decay process.
Feel free to send us additional photos of the tree or you may want to look into getting a consultation from a certified arborist since a tree that size may need to be removed if there is danger of falling on any structures.
Emily
