Woodpecker Damage

au516 · 3rd January 2012, 04:42 AM

I have a woodpecker (looks like a ladder backed) working on a 60 foot high cedar elm I have in my front yard. The spots have grown noticeably in the last few months. I'm wondering if it's doing permanent damage? If so what if any method should I take to minimize?

Victor Lindsay · 3rd January 2012, 05:58 AM

Wile E. Coyote

Brent Ferris · 4th January 2012, 12:32 AM

It looks like sapsucker damage. Seldom really hurts a tree, as long as holes stay to one side. I have seen trees ringed with holes; they don't live long.
You can try to discourage the sapsucker -- loud noise, water jet on a motion detector,bring in a raptor (real one, not a fake) but if the bird has decided your tree is a delicacy, pretty hard to discourage. Possibly a fertilizer to give it a different taste would work, but it prob wouldn't be good for the tree either.

Generally keeping the tree as healthy as possible allows it to withstand the attacks best/

au516 · 4th January 2012, 10:16 AM

Thanks for the reply! Yes you are right, I had time to view it with binocs today and it is a female yellow bellied Sapsucker. I'm hoping it goes away but it worked on the tree for at least 4-5 hours today. Too high up for me to wrap anything around areas so I guess I cross my fingers. It's really tearing it up.

Brent Ferris · 4th January 2012, 04:08 PM

A pellet gun hitting the tree near the bird can scare it off, or maybe one of those pressurized squirt guns the kids use.

Four-five hours can lead to serious damage.

au516 · 5th January 2012, 02:56 AM

thanks for the info Brent, I will take your advice

Apocalypsse · 5th January 2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeshaveneeds

A pellet gun hitting the tree near the bird can scare it off, or maybe one of those pressurized squirt guns the kids use.

Four-five hours can lead to serious damage.

Is that a legitimate practical reason for owning an airsoft rifle?!

Brent Ferris · 7th January 2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocalypsse

Is that a legitimate practical reason for owning an airsoft rifle?!

Maybe not - course owning and firing aren't the same. If he was rural, would be no need to hesitate; urban setting - would want to know your neighbours' thoughts,

au516 · 14th January 2012, 09:26 AM

The sapsucker moved on...haven't seen it since I bought a high powered squirtgun....figures right?

Brent Ferris · 17th January 2012, 04:34 PM

Forearmed - the sapsucker has been forewarned.

3rd January 2012, 04:42 AM	#1
au516 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: austin, tx Posts: 4	Woodpecker Damage I have a woodpecker (looks like a ladder backed) working on a 60 foot high cedar elm I have in my front yard. The spots have grown noticeably in the last few months. I'm wondering if it's doing permanent damage? If so what if any method should I take to minimize? Attached Thumbnails

3rd January 2012, 05:58 AM	#2
Victor Lindsay Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ? Posts: 441	Re: Woodpecker Damage Wile E. Coyote Last edited by Victor Lindsay; 3rd January 2012 at 06:06 AM.

4th January 2012, 12:32 AM	#3
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Woodpecker Damage It looks like sapsucker damage. Seldom really hurts a tree, as long as holes stay to one side. I have seen trees ringed with holes; they don't live long. You can try to discourage the sapsucker -- loud noise, water jet on a motion detector,bring in a raptor (real one, not a fake) but if the bird has decided your tree is a delicacy, pretty hard to discourage. Possibly a fertilizer to give it a different taste would work, but it prob wouldn't be good for the tree either. Generally keeping the tree as healthy as possible allows it to withstand the attacks best/ __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704 Last edited by Brent Ferris; 4th January 2012 at 12:34 AM. Reason: added info

4th January 2012, 10:16 AM	#4
au516 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: austin, tx Posts: 4	Re: Woodpecker Damage Thanks for the reply! Yes you are right, I had time to view it with binocs today and it is a female yellow bellied Sapsucker. I'm hoping it goes away but it worked on the tree for at least 4-5 hours today. Too high up for me to wrap anything around areas so I guess I cross my fingers. It's really tearing it up.

4th January 2012, 04:08 PM	#5
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Woodpecker Damage A pellet gun hitting the tree near the bird can scare it off, or maybe one of those pressurized squirt guns the kids use. Four-five hours can lead to serious damage. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

5th January 2012, 02:56 AM	#6
au516 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: austin, tx Posts: 4	Re: Woodpecker Damage thanks for the info Brent, I will take your advice

14th January 2012, 09:26 AM	#9
au516 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: austin, tx Posts: 4	Re: Woodpecker Damage The sapsucker moved on...haven't seen it since I bought a high powered squirtgun....figures right?

17th January 2012, 04:34 PM	#10
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Woodpecker Damage Forearmed - the sapsucker has been forewarned. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

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