Is wood possibly infected when I see “Old Looking” Hole Patterns Ext

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Is wood possibly infected when I see “Old Looking” Hole Patterns Externally Only (as in this green trimmed Pecan)? I believed this was trimmed due to wind damage. I w/n bring dead solid wood home with signs of insects boring. This could be birds but I have never seen it in our old Pecan Tree or others.

We have lost two trees (an Apple and Red Oak approx small- med size) since 1973. A very distinct pattern of small holes just above the ground took the apple trees 2-3 days when we noticed the leaves had turned brown.

We noticed the Red oak had lost most of it’s leaves and grub looking bores were just under the 6-8” trunk’s bark (in spots). The County Agent suggested sealing the affected bark and wrap with burlap. We did and the tree continued down hill until it appeared dead in a month.

My concern is not to bring in infected firewood that could harm our 5 trees. The squirrels are killers on our 1973 planted Pecan. Eating bark on new growth (that dies) since it has to be trimmed in the small backyard. I trim off the house and the power Co trims off power lines ea 5-7 years. It’s still a nice tree.

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Comments (5)

krnuttle
11 years ago
First I am not an expert on this situation.

In my opinion the holes were created when the tree was alive probably by a wood pecker. I have seen many trees with this type of hole pattern.

Is there any evidence of disease? Any Bugs in or under the bark. Is the bark coming off of the logs. (Only if they are newly cut.)
loger_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I had the opinion that it could have been a bird. When I noticed the old looking spots were only in the bark and not a full circle around the limbs. I get too excited when I find quality green wood that was trimmed vs what appears dead.

I did quarantine the wood away from my trees and firewood harvest for more observation. Our recent rain and storms alerted us of needed trimmings on our small lots.

I have my full 3 cords restocked of smaller wood "my body requested" (12-16” dia split in quarters). 6-8” dia round sticks are ideal to burn 16" long. I leave some 16” sticks twice as long until loading for burning (to lock stacks). I’ll cut some “stacked wood” down to 6-8” block to hold coals and mild heat. Good exercise and heat!
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krnuttle
11 years ago
Fire provides heat when your are cutting the wood and when you are shoveling the coal, in addition to the heat that is generated when it is burned
dowlinggram
11 years ago
That is sapsucker damage. We lost 2 apple trees to that nasty bird. They drill holes all around the tree trunk in a regular pattern just like your picture. The sap drips out then they lick up the sap. Of course bees and butterflies like it too and often feed there but losing all that sap kills the tree.
loger_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
I saw a Sapsucker pattern in some Semi-Dead Ash I cut/stacked as Firewood today. This pattern looked as the smaller consistent pin-holes that took our Apple tree. How do you protect trees from Sapsuckers? I saw hardware cloth once they are noticed but is that too late on a small tree? OR! Is it that dying bark from other issues attracts the Woodpeckers and Sapsuckers? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The North TX Heat Is In and I have a good 3 Cord Harvest (my goal). The Ash attached appeared dead with seasoned cracks but larger blocks appeared green.

It’s time to Reflect, Rest, Repair and Heal with Fishing, Automotive, Metalworking and Weekly Volunteering (Habitat/Meals On Wheels/Etc) out of my weekly mix. ALL my Seasonal Chores have run together and I had to let some of the Fun go. My Body Is Saying Thank You, Thankyou, Thank you. I wonder how I kept and enjoyed the schedule as long as I did. Now I Have Time To Think and Cut Grass before too much heat comes. Thinking Will Causes Stress, Until My Winter Fires. LOL!

The Cycle Of Life Is Getting My Attention Sooner Than I Thought.