How to treat my trees with infestation? - Ask Extension
Multiple trees have holes all over them. What can I use to treat or who can I call in California Maryland.
Knowledgebase
How to treat my trees with infestation? #894367
Asked March 13, 2025, 9:52 PM EDT
Multiple trees have holes all over them. What can I use to treat or who can I call in California Maryland.
St. Mary's County Maryland
Expert Response
Your trees are not necessarily infested and we would not recommend treatment with anything under most circumstances.
The larger holes in a straight line are from one of our native woodpeckers- the Sapsucker, who drill holes to access sap, which is then also used by other natives, including our ruby-throated hummingbirds who may not find floral sources of food upon their early return in spring. It does not harm the tree.
Here is our page on woodpeckers, including Sapsuckers:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees/
We can see some smaller holes as well that could indicate an insect but not one that necessarily needs treatment. Any pesticide use should be a last resort as they can harm/kill many non-target organisms.
Different trees have different possible concerns and so identifying, then assessing the overall health of the trees in question is the first step in knowing if there is an actual problem, and we can help you with this.
How does the green leafy canopy look in the growing season? Full and lush with normal-sized leaves? Are there a lot of dead wood/limbs visible?
Once they green up this spring, if you can share some photos of the trees that concern you, we'd be happy to take a look and advise. A photo of the overall tree and area (including where it goes into the ground), a clear, close photo of the leaves and their attachment along the stem, and a photo of the concern is most helpful for identification. Up to three photos can be attached at a time to your question.
This page may help with clues if you have serious problems: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
You could also consider hiring a certified tree expert or certified arborist to assist you, but some of them may suggest fertilizations or chemical applications that are not needed. If you go this route, get more than one consultation and compare.
Christine
The larger holes in a straight line are from one of our native woodpeckers- the Sapsucker, who drill holes to access sap, which is then also used by other natives, including our ruby-throated hummingbirds who may not find floral sources of food upon their early return in spring. It does not harm the tree.
Here is our page on woodpeckers, including Sapsuckers:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees/
We can see some smaller holes as well that could indicate an insect but not one that necessarily needs treatment. Any pesticide use should be a last resort as they can harm/kill many non-target organisms.
Different trees have different possible concerns and so identifying, then assessing the overall health of the trees in question is the first step in knowing if there is an actual problem, and we can help you with this.
How does the green leafy canopy look in the growing season? Full and lush with normal-sized leaves? Are there a lot of dead wood/limbs visible?
Once they green up this spring, if you can share some photos of the trees that concern you, we'd be happy to take a look and advise. A photo of the overall tree and area (including where it goes into the ground), a clear, close photo of the leaves and their attachment along the stem, and a photo of the concern is most helpful for identification. Up to three photos can be attached at a time to your question.
This page may help with clues if you have serious problems: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
You could also consider hiring a certified tree expert or certified arborist to assist you, but some of them may suggest fertilizations or chemical applications that are not needed. If you go this route, get more than one consultation and compare.
Christine
