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Lacebark Elm Holes in Trunk: Sapsucker Woodpecker Damage

10-year lacebark elm with tiny holes in rings around trunk base to 4 ft, some dead branches: sapsucker woodpecker (sap feeder). Holes in lines; birds eat sap and attracted insects.

Management

Spray trunk with Sevin or malathion to kill insects in holes; birds leave.
Or wrap trunk with burlap/tree wrap.
Or apply Tanglefoot (sticky barrier) around affected area.
Rarely kills tree; but dead branches may indicate other stress.

Check

Inspect for borers or disease if dieback continues after bird deterrent.

Plant Diseases: Ash Tree Basal Decay: Irreversible Heartwood Rot on West Side; Assessing Elm Bark Flaking After Vine Removal; Decay Fungus in Elm After Vine Removal: Long-Term Outlook; Elm Tree Bark Peeling: Normal Exfoliation or Pruning Stress?; Bark Peeling and Sap Leak on Young Elm: Insect Investigation; Asian Pear Bark Separation: Wood Borer and Atomic Grow Cambium Healing; Why a Young Lacebark Elm Suddenly Died: Nursery Defect or Planting Error?; Bark Beetle Damage on Elm: Signs and Last-Resort Treatment; Elm 4 ft from House: Move It Before Roots & Branches Cause Damage; Maple with Holes and Black Bark: Borers and Surface Fungus

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