HOLES SEEN IN PINE TREE - Ask Extension
Good Afternoon,
I was curious if you would be able to help me identify what is causing these holes in my pine tree (see attached picture). I actua...
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HOLES SEEN IN PINE TREE #874641
Asked June 25, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT
Good Afternoon,
I was curious if you would be able to help me identify what is causing these holes in my pine tree (see attached picture). I actually have three pine trees in my front yard with one of the three trees appearing to be dead on the one side. I suspect the holes maybe from carpenter bees, not 100% certain though. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Those holes (and the pattern that they are in) were definitely made by one of our native woodpeckers.
In this case, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees/ The widened areas suggest this has been a favored tree for a long time. We wouldn't suggest doing anything about it - if you were to try and cover this tree they would just search for another one.
You mention one side of a tree browning - this can happen to evergreens on the sides that are shaded.
(It doesn't really matter, but your tree is a type of spruce which is different from pine.)
Christine
In this case, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees/ The widened areas suggest this has been a favored tree for a long time. We wouldn't suggest doing anything about it - if you were to try and cover this tree they would just search for another one.
You mention one side of a tree browning - this can happen to evergreens on the sides that are shaded.
(It doesn't really matter, but your tree is a type of spruce which is different from pine.)
Christine
