Thanks for contacting us!

I agree the pattern is interesting and doesn't look natural, but it likely does have a natural cause.  Sapsuckers are related to woodpeckers, and they cause this type of damage as a result of feeding.  Woodpeckers damage trees as they search for insects to eat, but sapsuckers are feeding on the sap of the tree.  

I've copied a link to a short fact sheet with more information and pictures.  Here is an excerpt from that fact sheet about what you can do: 

"The most commonly recommended damage control method is to wrap burlap around the affected area to discourage sapsuckers from returning. Liquid spray repellents applied to the tree bark can also be used as well as hanging bright, shiny objects such as pie tins, streamers, or beach balls on the tree as scare devices. These techniques may or may not be effective, and they may just shift the bird’s focus to another part of the tree or to a neighboring tree."  

Source:  https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/recognizing-sapsucker-damage-on-your-trees

I hope this helps you save your tree.  Best of luck and thanks for contacting us!

Tim K