Damage? Woodpecker?

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 06, 2016

Is this from a woodpecker? Can the tree survive? Anything I can do about it?
Delmarva peninsula I have seen some of those big red headed woodpeckers.
Thanks in advance.

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Mar 06, 2016

Hi haighr:

Woodpeckers make those kind of cavities for their nests in dead wood of trees, so this is quite normal.

What is NOT normal: that tree is probably a species of Ash (Fraxinus sp.) that has likely been under assault by the invasive insect Emerald Ash Borer. Unless you or someone else has been treating that tree against this devastating pest, it is probably mostly or all dead already.

Tell us more about that tree, and maybe some additional closeups of the trunk, branches, stems, and buds - but I think I can see enough to ID it.

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 07, 2016

I will get some better pics today. We just moved here a year ago and I know we have a real problem planting around it as I tried to start a couple forsythia nearby and they just keep croaking. Even can't have grass growing under it or the other two nut trees beside it.
Thanks for your help.

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 07, 2016

You are so right my friend! I took a look. I saw all the little emerald ash borer "d" shaped holes. Top of tree already broken off and dead.

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 07, 2016

You are so right my friend! I took a look. I saw all the little emerald ash borer "d" shaped holes. Top of tree already broken off and dead.

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 07, 2016

Dang

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Mar 07, 2016

Wow VV, that was impressive!

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Pistil Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a) Mar 07, 2016

Yah!

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Mar 07, 2016

I'm not happy to be right, or that the tree is a goner.

I'm happy that the woodpecker is doing the job finding a home...

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 08, 2016

So what next? Sit back and wait!

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Mar 08, 2016

Haighr, it sure looks like a dilemma to me, it would be for me. Before the Picidae took up residence, it would have been an easy decision to fell the tree and replace it.

As it is, I'd feel too honored to have the home on my property, so I'd sit back and watch for as long as it takes.

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Mar 08, 2016

Don't build a patio under it...

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 11, 2016

It still has some life in it as some limbs are budding. I will not be taking it down, it will have to decide when for itself!

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Mar 11, 2016

That's really kind of you, thanks for letting me know that Haighr.

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haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Mar 14, 2016

😉
I'll try to keep you posted.

This message was edited Mar 14, 2016 7:43 AM

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