Maple with Holes and Black Bark: Borers and Surface Fungus

Mature maple has holes up/down trunk, black bark (looks burnt), insects in holes, good foliage. Owner asks if removal needed.

Assessment

• Holes in lines: Sapsucker (woodpecker) damage—insects come to sap.
• Random holes: Borers entering old wounds.
• Black bark: Surface fungus (sooty mold or similar)—not harming tree.

Action

• Spray trunk with imidacloprid (Merit) to kill borers and deter woodpeckers (no insects = no food).
• If black bark bothers you, spray copper fungicide.
• Do NOT remove—foliage is good.

Normal limb shedding occurs; tree is fine.