linear holes in old apple tree trunks

Discussion in 'Woody Plants' started by wynn, Jun 12, 2008.

  1. wynn

    wynn Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Bowen Island
    Does anyone know what causes parallel lines of holes in the bark of old apple trees (I've also seen it in other trees, usually of a significant age). They are especially noticeable because the hole circle the tree and look evenly spaces and on the same horizontal linear. Termites?

    Thank you
     
  2. growest

    growest Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Surrey,BC,Canada
    Hi Wynn--these are feeding sites of our local Red naped Sapsucker. You may see them occasionally hiking up and down tree trunks, with their striking red heads.

    I suppose this weakens the trees a bit, but haven't heard of it killing them. The birds tap the sap from the trees kinda like the maple syrup harvesters back east...but with far more holes per person :-) Obviously they find some trees "sappier" than others...sounds like apples might be a favorite!
     
  3. wynn

    wynn Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
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    Thanks Growest. I'm happy with the thought that these are not permanent residents of the tree -- like beetles. Funny though, how the peck lines are so perfectly linear. Do they come back and tap the old holes or make new ones each time?

    Wynn
     

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