What is eating my holly tree? - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a large holly tree, approximately 30 years old. Last fall I noticed a portion of the tree had light green/yellowing leaves. A few weeks ...
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What is eating my holly tree? #399571
Asked May 12, 2017, 2:58 PM EDT
Hello, I have a large holly tree, approximately 30 years old. Last fall I noticed a portion of the tree had light green/yellowing leaves. A few weeks ago I noticed these unusual markings on the tree trunk. Can you tell me what it is and how to treat?
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
The holes in the trunk (in the first two photos) are caused by sapsuckers. These are birds that feed on the tree sap and insects in the bark. Here a link to more information about them: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/woodpeckers-and-sapsuckers
The light green/yellowing shown in your third photo is normal at this time of year for hollies. This is a natural process of regeneration and does not indicate a problem with the tree. No treatment is necessary.
CKC
The light green/yellowing shown in your third photo is normal at this time of year for hollies. This is a natural process of regeneration and does not indicate a problem with the tree. No treatment is necessary.
CKC
