Globe Willow Decline: Sapsucker Holes, Not Borers

Patterned Holes = Sapsucker, Not Borer

Eraser‑sized holes in straight lines or rectangles on your 20‑yr globe willow are yellow‑bellied sapsucker feeding wells—not borer exit holes (which have sawdust, dark staining, or loose bark).

Sapsucker Cycle

1. Bird drills holes → sap flows.
2. Insects attracted to sap.
3. Bird returns to eat insects.

Action Plan

1. Spray trunk/branches with contact insecticide (malathion, Sevin, or Bug‑B‑Gone) to kill sap‑feeding insects → bird loses food source.
2. Fertilize: 1 lb 10‑10‑10 per inch trunk diameter, watered in (before rain).
3. Water deeply: 1 inch/week during dry spells (willows are water‑lovers).

Outlook

Stress (drought, age) invites sapsuckers. Improved vigor often reduces damage naturally.