Red breasted sapsucker damage - Ask Extension
We have a red breasted sap sucker that visits the maple tree in our yard regularly and has for the last three weeks. There are multiple .25 inch holes...
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Red breasted sapsucker damage #890916
Asked December 18, 2024, 5:14 PM EST
We have a red breasted sap sucker that visits the maple tree in our yard regularly and has for the last three weeks. There are multiple .25 inch holes onto two sides of the tree and several smaller horizontal holes on the tree. There is sap coming from one side of the tree. Should we simply tolerate this as a natural phenomena or do we need to limit these suckers opportuneness to visit so frequently? If so, how can we protect the tree if it is necessary?
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question and good photos.
These birds are looking for sap and can damage the tree through physical damage and by providing potential avenues of entry for insect pests.
Here is some information from the Pacific Northwest Pest Management Pest handbook - https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/nonpathogenic-phenomena/recognizing-sapsucker-damage-your-trees
It includes a recommended control/deterrence method to try. However, this may just shift the bird's attention to another part of the tree or to other trees in the vicinity.
These birds are looking for sap and can damage the tree through physical damage and by providing potential avenues of entry for insect pests.
Here is some information from the Pacific Northwest Pest Management Pest handbook - https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/nonpathogenic-phenomena/recognizing-sapsucker-damage-your-trees
It includes a recommended control/deterrence method to try. However, this may just shift the bird's attention to another part of the tree or to other trees in the vicinity.
