If you are into gardening, you might have come across holes in tree trunks that extend to the bark. There could be several reasons contributing to this. It might be due to an insect or a bird such as a woodpecker. However, if you see holes, do not ignore them and find an arborist who will inspect them. We are going to share some tips that will help you identify and potentially solve such issues in the future. Let’s begin!

Boring Insects

If you come across small holes in your tree trunks, it might be that boring beetles are causing them. Usually, these holes are the size of a spaghetti noodle. The boring beetles are common around the world especially in Lake Stevens, where they create some holes and lay their eggs.

In addition to that, boring beetles always find the weakest trees to bore into. This is also a sign that the tree is under stress. Since the tree is already weak, it means that it needs proper nutrition, pruning or watering, etc.

Furthermore, there are millions of tree species spanning around the globe. These species are heavily dependent on weather conditions. While some thrive during the summer seasons, others grow rapidly during the winters. In both cases, the trees have to be looked after as this is also the time when most diseases pop up.

Ignoring the diseases can lead to far worse problems than holes in your trunk. In some cases, algae and fungus may form on your tree, which is poisonous. In addition to that, trees need proper watering and nutrition to keep healthy. This ensures that the tree is able to fight against tree diseases and any external factors that may otherwise harm them.

Woodpeckers

Another cause of holes in your trunk might be due to woodpeckers. The yellow-bellied woodpeckers peck holes in trees to feed on the tree’s sugary sap and boring insects. To dissuade the woodpeckers, you can wrap the trunk in burlap.

Moreover, woodpeckers are mostly active during fall. This means that you should wrap your tree before the fall season sets in. If, incase, you forget to wrap the tree, do not worry, the tree can heal itself once the season ends. However, if you have expensive species growing on your lawn, you might want to take the necessary steps to avoid any damage.

Clearwig Moths

In addition to the small holes, you might also come across dime-sized holes that are done by the clearwig moths. The reason is that male moths take the eggs from the female moths and deposit them on the bark. As the eggs hatch, the larvae travel to the inside of the bark for shelter. As a result, it can harm the tissues of the tree that are vital for transporting water and nutrients.

To avoid such a situation, you could use different off the shelf chemicals or repellents that will keep such moths away. However, you need to keep in mind that the chemicals or repellents you use are appropriate for your tree type. Additionally, you might want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as well when it comes to dosage. Otherwise, you can easily end up harming your tree.

How Can I Prevent Tree Holes?

There are several ways to prevent tree holes. To begin with, you can try out different chemicals and repellents as mentioned earlier. At the same time, you can also hire a professional who can perform a thorough inspection of your tree and ensure it is strong and healthy.

Then again, keep in mind that nutrition and maintenance vary based on the tree type. Some trees require less watering while others require multiple times during the day. This can become both difficult and confusing for someone who has to look after multiple trees in a day. You can also get services of a gardener for this purpose.

Final Word

Concluding, follow the above-mentioned tips and make sure that your trees are looked after for years to come. If the tree is about to fall due to holes, it’s better to cut down the tree. Safely removing the tree should the priority so connect with a tree removal service Potomac to perform the job.