Have you ever seen tree trunks with noticeable holes, while others have no openings at all? You might be wondering how holes in trees develop and how they impact the vegetation. You’ve come to the right place for the answer.
As a trusted provider of tree services in Vernon, NJ, Midhurst Tree Care is here to explain the top reasons trees develop holes in trunks and bark. Find out what you can do to protect your trees using the tips in this guide.
Local Wildlife Forms Small Holes in Trees
Pay attention to the birds, squirrels, and other critters that frequent your landscape. Trees often develop holes due to local wildlife activity.
Squirrels are known to gnaw on tree bark and exposed wood. Woodpeckers are another common culprit. As they drill their beaks into the trunk, they gradually chip away at the wood and form small holes within it.
Weather Patterns Impact the Trunk
Holes in trees may also be due to the local climate. Suppose a powerful storm produces strong winds that knock down several tree limbs. The tree needs to overcome the wounds where each branch snapped off, or the trunk could begin to decay.
Lightning strikes can create significant trunk damage, too. If a bolt hits a tree, it can cause the trunk to split vertically and leave deep cracks. This paves the way for large cavities to form in the already-compromised trunk.
Pest Infestations Create Problems for Tree Trunk Stability
Prepare for serious problems when a tree cavity is due to a pest infestation. Wood-boring insects gradually eat through the trunk, creating a noticeable hole in the process. As they continue to feed on the internal wood, the trunk may lose its structural stability.
In some cases, the damage from pest infestations is too extreme to leave the tree standing. Experts may have no choice but to remove it in order to mitigate safety concerns.
Human Error Could Harm Tree Trunks
Environmental stressors are among the most common causes of tree cavities. However, humans can impact the trunk’s appearance and overall tree health, too.
Perhaps you decide to take a chainsaw and cut some low-hanging branches. If you cut each limb too close to the trunk, you may end up wounding the tree. Any subsequent decay could create a cavity.
Avoid this issue by having a trained professional prune your trees. Arborists know how to prevent holes and cavities by using the correct pruning techniques.
Book Reliable Tree Services in Vernon
Some of the causes of holes in trees are beyond your control. However, you can team up with Midhurst Tree Care when these factors lead to a decline in tree health.
Watch for the signs of pests, diseases, or decay in tree trunks and contact our crew for solutions. We can identify some of the most pressing tree health issues requiring removal and protect your property from tree-related damage.
Give us a call at (973) 875-6964 to request a free estimate.