GMG

[GMG]

Good Afternoon

 

We have 5 silver birches jacquemontii, planted within about 8 feet of each other in a cricle.  One of them has recently had some nasty looking holes appear in the trunk, fairly close to the ground (picture attached).  Are you able to advise what might have caused it (borer beetle, fungal infection, woodpecker)?  And can it can be treated, or should we cut it down and get rid of it as soon as possible to avoid contamination to the other trees?

 

Thank you for your help.

[openspaceman]

I think the damage you are seeing is cause by a woodpecker  after grubs. The insects have been attracted to the necrotic tissue under the bark. What the underlying issue is I can only guess is some sort of trauma the tree has suffered. Has there been a fire anywhere near on the side where the damage is?

[GMG]

Thanks for the advice openspaceman.  I'm thinking woodpecker damage is the least scary outcome.  Would you just leave as is and expect the tree to continue growing?  Or is there anything that can be done to treat the damage please?