Oak Trunk Turning Black: Sap from Sapsucker Holes

Southern Yosemite: Oak trunk black to 7 ft, shiny like clear coat. Many woodpecker holes in area. Cause?

Diagnosis: Sapsucker Sap

Sapsucker holes → oak sap (tannic acid = dark) flows → shiny black coating. Insects feed on sap → birds return for insects.

Spray wounds with insecticide (liquid Sevin or bark beetle product from nursery) → kills insects → discourages woodpeckers.

Trees: Potted Rose Tree Root Rot Rescue: Multi-Step Rehabilitation; Woodpecker Holes in Pine: Sapsucker Damage, Not Fatal; Hybrid Willow Black Canker: Act Fast or Remove the Tree; Black Tennis Court Residue: Sooty Mold from Scale/Aphids; Aphid Honeydew Causing Maple Sap Nuisance; Black Mold on Young Tree: Aphids and Sooty Mold Fix; Black Sap Oozing from Tree: Slime Flux (Wetwood); Maple Sap Dripping After Pruning: Normal or Aphids?; Black Sticky Residue on Patio: Sooty Mold from Aphids or Scale; Black Walnut Sap on Treated Wood Arbor: No Damage

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