Holes in my Sugar Maple tree almost look like bullet holes - Ask Extension
Just discovered multiple holes in my tree that are weeping fluid. Is this a pest infestation. Will I have to have the tree cut down?
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Holes in my Sugar Maple tree almost look like bullet holes #782478
Asked February 23, 2022, 1:34 PM EST
Just discovered multiple holes in my tree that are weeping fluid. Is this a pest infestation. Will I have to have the tree cut down?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Good news!
This is not an insect pest and you will not have to cut down your tree.
What you are seeing there are small holes made by a woodpecker. The weeping fluid is the sap, which is running now (and is how sugar maple trees are tapped to collect and make maple syrup).
The woodpeckers feed on the sap, as well as insects that may be attracted to it as well.
Here is our page that tells you more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees
Christine
This is not an insect pest and you will not have to cut down your tree.
What you are seeing there are small holes made by a woodpecker. The weeping fluid is the sap, which is running now (and is how sugar maple trees are tapped to collect and make maple syrup).
The woodpeckers feed on the sap, as well as insects that may be attracted to it as well.
Here is our page that tells you more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees
Christine
