How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage to a Tree
The best way to prevent woodpecker damage is to keep the bird away from the tree in the first place through bird netting or by hanging mirrors, old CD or other reflective items to frighten them away. You can also buy commercial products that can be applied to the tree trunk, without causing any harm to the tree itself.
A family in Brookline noticed that one of their large trees was being frequented by a woodpecker. Upon closer inspection, they found that the tree was riddled with small holes caused by the bird.
Drawn By Insects, Woodpeckers Can Cause Lasting Tree Damage
A woodpecker frequenting the same tree is most often a sign that the tree may actually have an insect problem, which is attracting the woodpecker. The small holes that this bird causes are not overly harmful to the tree. However, these are wounds that can make the tree more vulnerable to disease and insects over time. In other cases, the woodpecker may be trying to get at the sap of the tree or may simply be looking for a home to build a nest.
The Best Course of Action is To Keep the Woodpecker Away
In most cases, the woodpecker holes do not need to be treated. To protect the tree in the long-run, you should instead focus on keeping the woodpecker away. This can be done using bird netting wrapped around the tree. Woodpeckers are also frightened off by shiny objects. Hanging mirrors or CDs from the tree can deter them from leaving a lasting mark.
You can also purchase a commercial product for repelling woodpeckers that is brushed onto the trunk of the tree. Woodpeckers dislike landing on the sticky substance and will most likely stay away.
The family in Brookline found that hanging a few CDs from the branches was enough to send the woodpecker in search of a new home. The damage to the tree was minimal, and it should continue to thrive for years to come.
