Sugar Maple with Black Trunk and Holes: Sapsucker Activity

Blackened Trunk and Quarter-Inch Holes

A sugar maple in Northern GA has a blackening trunk and rows of ¼-inch holes. Leaves appear healthy.

Expert Explanation

The holes are from a sapsucker (woodpecker). They drill holes, sap collects, insects come, and the bird returns to eat them. The blackening is a fungus growing on the sap in spring. The bird activity degrades lumber quality but won’t kill the tree.

Recommended Action

Spray an insecticide (e.g., Bug B Gone, ant spray) on the holes to kill insects and deter the bird. Prevention is key to protect wood value.