Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Tree damage

jojomarjojomar Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Does anyone know what has caused this damage on our Crab Apple tree.

Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    I am tempted to say beaver but woodpecker is much more likely.
  • jojomarjojomar Posts: 2
    Thank you. We thought similar but needed confirmation.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Looking at the round hole, the tree probably had beetle larvae (borers) under the bark which is what the woodpecker was after.  I've also seen similar damage done by grey squirrels.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    edited July 2020
    I've noticed similar damage on one of my immature crab apples this year. Only about a 4' from the ground which made me wonder if I'd accidentally damaged it with tools - but  really think I'd have noticed doing it!

    We have both woodpeckers and squirrels here so your suggestions make sense - thank you. 

    Is the damage a threat to the health of the tree?
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    In the case of the tree in the photo, the bark has been pretty much 'ringed' and all parts of the tree above the damage will die.  However, if there is still a connection between the bark below and above the damage, there's a fair chance the tree will expand the damaged bark to close over the wounds but that will take several years.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Sign In or Register to comment.