What Caused the Holes in My Tree?

Q. I noticed that woodpeckers attacked our Palo Verde tree.
There are probably 60 holes around the truck and main limbs. The sap is running
even though the holes are just under the surface, not deep. Any advice how to
prevent further damage and do you think this can eventually kill the tree?

A. This is probably one of the sapsuckers. Sapsuckers are
type of woodpecker and a couple different types have been documented in
southern Nevada. Some sapsuckers migrate through the valley and others maintain
a year-round presence.

They damage a variety of trees
including fruit trees and many different types of landscape trees. They
frequently come back to the same tree over and over.

 The only thing you can realistically do is
exclude them from the tree. This means putting up some wire mesh, burlap or
other barrier to keep them from the trunk and larger limbs. They will still get
into limbs where it is hard to put a barrier.

I have seen the same fruit trees damaged
year after year for the past 20 years and the trees still seem to be still doing
well. Damaged trees repair themselves more quickly if they are in good health;
watered and fertilized adequately. I know it causes damage but it seems to be
not life threatening so I would let it go unless the damage gets extensive.

If this seems to be seasonal, you
could try some hot pepper sprays just before they begin damaging plants. Mark
the event on your calendar and time your applications accordingly.