Failing aspens - Ask Extension
I have two Aspen trees that are failing. They have strange holes in the bark at approximately the same level from the ground and now also see to have ...
Knowledgebase
Failing aspens #875350
Asked June 30, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
I have two Aspen trees that are failing. They have strange holes in the bark at approximately the same level from the ground and now also see to have a canker. I’m wondering what is causing the damage to the bark and what can be done for them.
Lake County Colorado
Expert Response
The holes look like woodpecker damage. That would also explain the canker because the wounds can leave the tree vulnerable to insects and diseases. Here is a link that talks about preventing further damage to your trees: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2304-preventing-woodpecker-damage-trees/
Very rarely does woodpecker damage become fatal, but you do want to keep an eye on any secondary issues that occur. Here is a link to a fact sheet on cytospora canker, so you can read up on that as well: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/cytospora-canker-2-937/
Very rarely does woodpecker damage become fatal, but you do want to keep an eye on any secondary issues that occur. Here is a link to a fact sheet on cytospora canker, so you can read up on that as well: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/cytospora-canker-2-937/
