Woodpecker Tree Damage?
 

So we were up to the house last weekend doing some final clean up before the snow comes and I noticed on e of the trees close to the house had been attacked by what I think was a woodpecker. Bark was all over the ground and when I looked up I could see small holes up and down the tree. (Next time I go up I will take a picture)

Half of me is thinking “how nice to have a woodpecker” and the other half is thinking, will this tree become compromised if they take up full residence and/or allow an infestation.

Anyway, I understand from some reading that some birds are pecking to get bugs and others are attacking the actual tree. How to tell the difference if we don’t see the bird in question in the act to get a description. Anyone else have this going on that could shed some light?

We had a pine tree that appeared to be healthy and within 2 months a very large pileated woodpecker had literally destroyed the tree. They are very pretty birds, but they can sure ruin a tree quick.

If a woodpecker has destroyed a tree, odds are it was already terminal anyway.

The woodpecker isn't poking holes in the tree for fun. He/she is going for food. A heavily "pecked" tree is usually a sign that it is full of carpenter ants or some other, woodpecker-tasty insect.

You might want to check for bugs elsewhere if it's near the house.

I've had to take three trees this year that a Woodpecker had his way with, it's trying to get to the bugs inside the tree. My Tree guy (Courtney Kelly) told me the tree is on it's way out when the woodpeckers start on it.

That's what I always thought- that they went after the dying trees. Thanks for verifying that.

They are not going after the dying trees, they are going after the bugs that have started killing a weakened tree. Be thankful they're not going after your house. The north side of my house was being attacked on my cedar siding for 2 years. I had numerous holes that stopped at the sheathing. I've since resided with vinyl and those peckers have moved on.:laugh:

Sorry, that's what I meant but not what I said. You are right, the bugs like the dead or dying trees and the woodpeckers like the bugs.

yup
 

We had a beautiful mature hemlock right outside our master bedroom. A couple or three pileateds decided there was something delicious right under the bark. They didn't really poke holes in the tree...just stripped every piece of bark for about 20 feet of the tree. Bang! Tree was dead within a year.

On the other hand, we did get some free hemlock bark mulch out of the deal.

OMG: Here we go. First it was the Canada Geese, Then the Ducks, (itchy) and now the Pileated Woodpeckers. I'm just short of Mortified..:look: Who's next...?? NB

Don't forget about the current mice thread and those darn bears eating out of the bird feeders.:D

And those pesky woodpeckers...
 

... think the whole thing is funny.

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SIKSUKR did you forget the Fisher(Fisher Cat):laugh:

When the woodpeckers arrive.......the grim reaper has already claimed your tree. Something like vultures.....they don't attack the living.....only the dead.