holes in tree trunk

by Kim
(Sacramento CA)

i have two loquat trees and they both have rings of holes around thier trunks in several spots. I am hoping this isn't something that can kill the trees. Any ideas? hopefully it does not involve chemicals.

Doug says it sounds like a sapsucker - a small woodpecker-bird with a red head. They drill holes in trees for the sap - and the dripping sap usually attracts other insects too.

You might consider hanging old cd's in your trees - the flashing lights tend to discourage birds.

Basically not much you can do for the tree - it will heal itself (no wound dressing!). Simply eliminate all stress (compost and water properly) this year so the tree can recover.

The sapsucker is pretty much a "pest" bird to gardeners but not much you can do to deter them other than normal bird-deterrents.