oak trees and woodpeckers???

[Bedlam]

I was wondeirng if anyone knows why I find many dead oak trees this year.I have three alone that are about 20 incehs across, and upon dropping them, I find thet in the upper limbs, there are holes into the tree deeper than the bark. They are so well spaced, i thnk maybe a pecker has made them, as an ant would be so well spaced.
I have another really big one that has no leaves this time, but Im gonna let it stay a year and se what happens. Im just not sure that they will survive without the leaves on them for another year.
And thougths on this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks Al

 

[waynokakid]

Here in Missouri, southen that is, there is an oak borer that is killing alot of the oak trees. Sounds similar to what is happening in my timber. The limbs dye gradually going up the tree. Woodpecker holes and some of the borer holes that are weeping. From what the foresters around have told me best to harvest them while still usable. When you do cut one down, will find tunnels and the oak borer that looks alot like a finger. A google search will turn up some good images of the Red Oak Borer.

 

[ToadHill]

The pecker is after the insects that can be heard (by them) under the bark. Something is killing the trees, it may not be the insects, they show up when the tree is in it's downward cycle. Look up sudden oak death on the net, it has been a real problem in the west.

 

[Bedlam]

Thanks for the repllies. I loom it up on the net. I also had a couple of nice beach trees that had a serious ant problem at the base. When I finally notice it the middle of the tree had been hollowed out. I used up a can of ant spray that was laying around for many manty years and took care of them . But as far as the oaks, it might be just that they are overtaken by the other trees around them. it makes sence,
thanks for the info.
Al

 

[jinman]

Thanks for the repllies. I loom it up on the net. I also had a couple of nice beach trees that had a serious ant problem at the base. When I finally notice it the middle of the tree had been hollowed out. I used up a can of ant spray that was laying around for many manty years and took care of them . But as far as the oaks, it might be just that they are overtaken by the other trees around them. it makes sence,
thanks for the info.
Al

If you look at the holes in the tree and they are evenly spaced, it might be a sapsucker instead of a woodpecker making those holes. The woodpeckers are after insects and are actually beneficial. The sapsuckers (actually a subspecies of woodpecker, I believe) can damage a tree, but they are an indication that the tree is in stress for some other reason. When the tree goes into stress, it produces more sugars in the sap. The sugary sap draws both insects and sapsuckers.

I have no idea what is wrong with your trees, but critters can often tell you whether trees are healthy or not.

 

[Bubba Tex]

I'd get a hold of the county extension office and/or the county arborist. He/they will be able to positively ID the culprit and let you know if it's a widespread problem in your area.

 

[scott_vt]

The pecker is after the insects that can be heard (by them) under the bark. Something is killing the trees, it may not be the insects, they show up when the tree is in it's downward cycle. Look up sudden oak death on the net, it has been a real problem in the west.

Mornin ToadHill,
I have lost a number of white ash and have the same pecker holes your talking about. I agree, the tree is dying off and the peckers are just after the insects invading the tree. Its amazing how evenly spaced those pecker holes are ! The wood is still good, and makes great firewood, so guess what !

 

[Soundguy]

I am in agreement with toadhill. i think something is killing the tree, then insects set in ( maybee insects kileld the tree?? ).. and the woodpecker shows up for the insects.

Down here.. our pine trees get 'shot up' by peckers..

Soundguy

 

[DieselPower]

In my area I have a bad problem with the sapsuckers. They create perfectly spaced holes around a tree in rings. My understanding is that they create all the holes in the bark/tree to give bugs a place to get in. When they come back later all their work pay's off. They kind of look like a small woodpecker but have a yellow chest. Everytime I see one he get's a lead injection, I'm tired of cutting down all the dead tree's.