sapsucker damage

Posted by Denise Ellsworth Tuesday, 20 December 2011 12:27

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers (a kind of woodpecker), can sometimes damage trees by creating a row of holes in bark. Birds feed on the sap, and may consume insects attracted to the sap flow. Sapsuckers may pick a favorite tree, and continue to feed at the tree for years, thus protecting surrounding trees from damage. Commonly damaged trees include maple, birch and hemlock. Holes are pictured here on magnolia.  More information.Posted by Picasa
Denise Ellsworth is a horticultural educator with Ohio State University Extension. If you have questions about caring for your garden, call the Master Gardener hot line from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at 330-928-GROW or write: Horticulture Educator, Summit County, 2525 State Road, Suite 250, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Include your phone number. E-mail questions to mgsummit@ag.ohio-state.edu.

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