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Why Are Woodpeckers Damaging My Tree? 

Why Are Woodpeckers Damaging My Tree? 

Woodpeckers are frustrating, especially if they build nests on your property. If you notice woodpeckers pecking holes in…

Nov 01,2024

Why Are Woodpeckers Damaging My Tree? 

Woodpeckers are frustrating, especially if they build nests on your property. If you notice woodpeckers pecking holes in trees, it might be time to consult a professional tree care company in Atlanta. In addition, homeowners can hear the loud, continuous tapping sounding woodpeckers produce at least 8,000 to 12,000 a day. While this bird species is vital to the ecosystem and protected under state and federal law, they can cause severe tree damage. At the Sesmas Tree Service, we understand the value trees add to landscapes, and provide pertinent information and a tailored solution to ensure proper growth and longevity.

Why Are Woodpeckers Damaging My Tree? 

The Reason Woodpeckers Drill into Trees

The primary reason woodpeckers use their beaks to drill holes into trees is in search of food. Woodpeckers eat the insect larvae beneath the bark, while others drill trees to feed on the sap as well. While small holes might not raise concerns initially, delaying professional intervention can cause irreversible damage and premature tree removal emergencies.

Another reason woodpeckers drill into trees is to attract mates in spring. This unique communication technique is called drumming, whereby both male and female woodpeckers produce resonant sounds during the early morning hours. Once you hear these noises, schedule an inspection to pinpoint the dying or dead trees. The last thing you want is a safety hazard or severe infestation compromising the quality of your yard.

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How Do Woodpeckers Choose Trees to Drill?

The most susceptible trees to woodpecker damage include spruce, pines, birch, sweet gums, and fruit trees. Woodpeckers often prefer trees with softer wood, but those with bark lice or wood borers are prone to drilling for food. The holes made when wood peckers search for food are small and often go undetected until it is too late. However, dying or dead trees have softer wood that’s ideal for nesting, allowing woodpeckers to drill big holes. Regardless of the reason a woodpecker is drilling a tree in your yard, call a dependable tree care company to inspect, diagnose, and address the problem.

Benefits of Woodpeckers

As stated, woodpeckers play a crucial role in the ecosystem. If you have a pest infestation, woodpeckers can remove up to 85% larvae, mitigating further damage and invasive tree removal services. Sometimes, woodpeckers on a property can show an underlying problem that requires the expertise of a professional tree care company in Cumming. While woodpeckers don’t kill trees, they increase susceptibility to pests and diseases, hence the need to consult certified arborists.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage

Woodpeckers are excellent insect detectors in trees. If you hear continuous drilling noises, you may have an insect problem. While the larvae stage of insects provides food for woodpeckers, professional intervention goes a long way to mitigate spreading. Also, arborists can implement strategies like nets, sprays, fake owls, and noisemakers to control the woodpeckers’ population. Remember, these birds are protected under state and federal law, so consult a professional to avoid costly fines or legal action.

Now that you know the role woodpeckers play in the ecosystem, you can make an informed decision to maintain a healthy yard. Contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our experts to ensure woodpeckers don’t wreak havoc in your home.

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