The KPRC Radio Gardenline Tip By Randy Lemmon For 02-5-04 Printer-Friendly Version
Sapsucker!
Howdy Gardening Enthusiasts!
I received great photo from a listener the other day (via our website) that shows a perfect example of what Sapsucker Damage looks like on trees. And as usual, the questions abound from folks who don't know what's causing the holes. Is it a Borer? Do I need to treat it? What do I treat it with?
A Sapsucker is a bird, related to the Woodpecker family. So, simply put, if you see holes in a line just like this picture below, then know it's not a borer insect. And, no, you don't really need to treat it with anything.
However, it should be noted that if you want to prevent it from further damage you can cover the area with Hardware Cloth - or as I affectionately refer to it; Screen Door Material. If the tree's health seems to be suffering, then you would likely need to put on the Hardware Cloth to deter the bird. If the tree seems, unaffected (and most are unaffected) then you don't need to be doing anything. Just enjoy the unusual nature of the Sapsucker's work.
If you would like to learn more about the Sapsucker in general, please click to this link.
< http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/shelterbelt/shbpub42.htm >
Until next issue, here's to
Great Gardening from the GardenLine, heard
exclusively weekend mornings from 8 to noon
on Talkradio 950 KPRC.