Large holes don’t often form in tree trunks on their own. Instead, an external force creates them, such as pests or diseases.
If you’ve noticed a sizable hole in the bark, uncovering the cause can help you determine whether the tree’s health is at risk. Below, learn what causes large holes in tree trunks. Consulting an arborist in Morganton, NC, is often a wise first step when you notice changes to your tree’s appearance.
Common Causes of Large Holes in Trunks
You might notice a large hole or multiple holes in trunks due to a range of natural causes. These are the most common sources:
- Woodpecker damage: Woodpeckers and sapsuckers are two types of birds that use their beaks to chip away at the bark, looking for sap or insects beneath it. In some cases, these birds will peck multiple holes throughout the trunk. Woodpecker and sapsucker holes usually don’t kill trees, but their efforts can weaken the structure over time.
- Carpenter ants: Though they are small, carpenter ants can work together to excavate tunnels in the bark. Carpenter ant activity often indicates existing tree decay that the ants are simply taking advantage of. While they are common tree pests, they usually don’t damage the bark significantly.
- Termite infestations: Termites can also bore holes in the wood. Their holes are usually smaller, around 1/8 of an inch, though you might sometimes find larger holes interspersed with the smaller ones.
- Wildlife nesting: Animals like squirrels, chickadees, and nuthatches like to create nests in tree hollows. They may take up residence in an existing hollow, and their activity causes the hole to widen over time.
- Fungal rot: Fungal diseases can cause the inner wood to rot, creating structural weakness that leads to the development of holes. You might see other signs of the fungus, like conks or mushrooms on the trunk or cracks in the bark.
When Are Large Holes in Trunks Cause for Concern?
Large holes in trunks are often just signs of normal wildlife activity. But in some cases, they can indicate a larger problem that threatens the tree’s health or longevity. Holes or hollows might be cause for concern when:
- They are accompanied by other signs of active decay, like fungal disease
- They cover more than one-third of the trunk’s diameter, potentially indicating structural weakness
- They spread throughout the trunk, which may suggest that there was existing decay
- They are accompanied by signs that the tree’s health is deteriorating, such as brown or dead leaves, peeling bark, or broken branches
- They are in trees that are near other structures or driveways, indicating that tree failure could cause significant damage
When in doubt, it never hurts to call a professional arborist.
Schedule Professional Service From Limbwalkers Tree & Crane Service
Now that you have some idea of what causes large holes in tree trunks, you can take the next steps to protect your tree. Whether you need assistance fixing a split tree trunk or deterring pest activity, call Limbwalkers Tree & Crane Service today at 828-413-7227 for a free estimate.
