Small Holes in Young Maples: Sapsuckers, Not Borer Worms

Misdiagnosed Maple Damage

A gardener finds little holes around the trunks of four young maples and fears borer worms. The expert again points to yellow-bellied sapsuckers. The holes are neat rows made by the bird feeding on sap and insects. Maples, with their thin bark, show damage more conspicuously than oaks.

What to Do

• Spray the trunk area with an insecticide to deter insects that attract the sapsucker.
• Wrap trunks temporarily with burlap.
• Accept that the tree will compartmentalize the wounds.

True borer holes are usually random, accompanied by frass (sawdust), and often have a D-shape or oval outline.