Scots Pine

Description:

This tree is a large, mature pine. Although I'm not exactly sure on the species, I believe it is likely a scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Upon close inspection around the trunk at breast height, rows of small hole drilled in the bark can be found. These holes are no more than approximately 50mm in diameter, and exist in surprisingly straight and consistent rows and columns. There doesn't appear to be any broken branches or damage to the trunk. There isn't any apparent unusual loss of needles. The tree seems healthy apart from its rows of mysterious bore marks.

Habitat:

This pine tree is growing in a relatively sheltered spot with full exposure to the sun from the south. It is part of a small artificial forest that is made up of numerous species of trees and shrubs, including other pines. A sidewalk runs under the canopy of the tree within the dripline, and the root zone undoubtedly extends under the nearby turf grass as well. The space around the base of the tree is mulched however this probably doesn't actually benefit the tree that much due to the fact that a mature tree such as this has an expansive and far reaching root system. The tree has buildings relatively nearby on its west and east sides which would provide protection from west/east winds; but the buildings may funnel North/south winds intensifying them.

Notes:

I suspect that the holes have been made by 'Sphyrapicus varius', the yellow bellied sapsucker. This species drills holes in many different species of trees, both coniferous and deciduous, including numerous species of pine trees. The yellow bellied sapsucker drills a hole and drinks the tree's sap as it leaks from the wound. When the tree finally stops sap flow to the hole and the sapsucker's food source dries up, it simpy drills another set of holes creating the repeating rows and columns of holes in the bark. The pine tree is within the yellow bellied sapsucker's summer range. As a migratory bird, S. varius is a protected species. It is unlawful to kill or capture them or to damage their eggs. The only real manaent tool one has to to try to frighten the sapsucker away without directly confronting them. Plastic owl statues, strips of coloured tape, or wind chimes can be placed in and around the tree to frighten the birds away, but beyond bluffs there is not much that can be done. It is also worth noting that while living off the trees parasitically, yellow bellied sapsucker's rarely do any significant damage to their host.