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
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!
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
