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Bradford Pear Trunk Holes: Sapsucker Woodpecker Damage

Rows of Holes on Multiple Trees

16 Bradford pears have lines of bored holes on trunks. Owner concerned about cause and treatment.

Cause: Sapsucker Woodpecker

Holes in a line around trunk are made by sapsuckers. Birds drill holes, sap flows, insects feed on sap, birds return to eat insects. Does not harm the tree.

Deterrent

Spray trunk where holes appear with common insecticide (malathion, Sevin, or home defense spray) to eliminate insect attraction. Birds will leave.

Plant Diseases: Bradford Pear Red Leaves Falling: Fire Blight or Genetic Decline?; Bradford Pear Fire Blight: Multi-Year Battle Plan; Sudden Heavy Fruiting on Bradford Pears: Genetics and Storm Risk; Bradford Pear Trunk Fungus After Heavy Rain: Likely Saprophytic; Bradford Pear Tree Near House: Root Risk and Lifespan; Diagnosing Decline in a Mature Bradford Pear: Boron Sensitivity and Short Lifespan; Stopping Bradford Pear Fruit with Hormone Sprays; Saving a Storm-Damaged Bradford Pear with Borer Holes; Fertilizing and Caring for a Bradford Pear Tree in North Carolina; Topping Bradford Pears: A Desperation Measure with Risks

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