My Mother Has Damage To Her Willow Tree From A Woodpecker.is There Anything To Use To Fill In The Holes Left By The Bird To Prevent Any Insects Or Deseases From Infecting It.thanks Geraldine
Came across this incomplete thread while looking for the answer to what I believe to be the same problem affecting a willow in our garden. I have attached pictures showing what I assume to be woodpecker sapsucker activity on a willow tree that has grown vigorously from a sapling over the last 6 years but is now dropping it's leaves and looking quite sickly. The damaged area has some patches of mold, and is attracting the attention of flies, ants, etc. Can anyone suggest what the best treatment is to cover the holes, and prevent/remove infection? Taking note of other threads concerning willows, I will take some cuttings and set about rooting these in case the tree dies. Thanks, Keith
I am new to this forum and do not know how to read anyones replys to our question? Did you recieve any, we have a similar situation with a willow and sapsucker (active) damage in our (5 inch as dase) tree - woould love some help!
Hi Kathy, Replies, including yours, simply appear in the "thread" below the original item. I haven't received any other responses and, like you, am desperate to find the correct solution to saving this tree. I will have a further look around the internet to see if I can find anything else on the topic, and my wife is going to discuss it with our local tree nurseries who seem to have good advice on most subjects. I will add another post here with whatever we find out. Keith
I did a bit of on-line research and found an old "research paper" on sapsucker damage to trees being grown for timber.....in it they mention covering the birds drill holes with quarter inch hardware cloth but don't expand on what to do next......I have encircled my poor little willow with this wire mesh, leaving a half inch between the tree and the wire...and must say that I have baffled the woodpecker but the sap is still flowing from the injury sites and now I think bugs will take advantage of the situation. I have an arborist coming tomorrow to look at it and I will report back to you! Thanks and good luck with your tree! - Kathy
Hello, I am not aware of anything that can be used to fill the holes caused by sapsuckers (nor is David Tarrant). The best solution is to prevent futher damage as sapsukers will often return to the same tree. As suggested hardware cloth or another type of wire mesh will discourage birds from returning. Using Tanglefoot (a sticky substance) or other similar product on the tree will also discourage birds from returning. It is not harmful to the birds, it simply discourages them from landing on the tree. As mentioned, willow can be propagated (and fairly easily). That is an option if a tree has extensive damage and begins to decline as a result. Raakel
