Sapsucker Damage on Bradford Pear Trees: Identification and Control

Rows of Holes in Bradford Pear Bark: Woodpecker, Not Borer

A bed-and-breakfast owner in Alabama noticed lines of small holes in their Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') trees lining the driveway and feared borer infestation.

Diagnosis: Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

The evenly spaced, horizontal rows of ¼-inch holes are classic sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) feeding wells. The birds:

• Drill holes to induce sap flow
• Return to eat sap and trapped insects
• Prefer smooth-barked trees like Bradford pear, maple, and pecan
• Cause cosmetic damage but rarely kill healthy trees

Management Options

Method	How It Works	Best Timing
Tanglefoot (sticky barrier)	Discourages landing/climbing	Apply before spring migration
Trunk wrap (hardware cloth/burlap)	Physical barrier	Fall through spring
Insecticide spray on trunk	Reduces insect prey	Early spring when sap flows
Visual deterrents (reflective tape, decoys)	Scare birds away	Variable effectiveness

Key Points

• Sapsuckers are migratory – damage is seasonal (spring/fall)
• Healthy trees compartmentalize wounds; no sealant needed
• Do not confuse with borer holes (random, scattered, with frass)
• Bradford pears have weak branch structure – focus pruning on that, not sapsucker wells

When to Worry

If holes girdle a limb (>50% circumference) or tree shows dieback, consult an arborist. Otherwise, consider it wildlife activity and protect only high-value specimens.