Sapsucker Damage on Mountain Ash: Prevention with Tanglefoot

Sapsuckers are destroying our mountain ash. Help?

Damage Mechanism

Sapsuckers drill holes for sap; insects attracted to sap become bird food. Multiple hole rows around the trunk can girdle and kill the tree.

Tree wrap: Burlap or commercial wrap around damaged areas.
Tanglefoot: Sticky barrier (less visible than wrap). Apply around affected trunk area.
Common targets: apple, crabapple, sugar maple, mountain ash, birch, pine.

Tanglefoot is recommended for aesthetics. Available at local nurseries.

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