A hole in your tree’s trunk can look harmless, almost charming, like a cozy spot for wildlife. But it usually signals damage happening beneath the bark. Trees can’t heal like we do. When wounded, they try to seal themselves off, but decay can spread if the damage is severe.
So, what causes large holes in tree trunks? As a provider of professional tree services in Berthoud, CO, we cover common culprits and when to call an expert.
Woodpeckers and Wildlife
Woodpeckers and sapsuckers peck at bark to reach sap and insects underneath. Sometimes, they leave several holes across one trunk. These birds rarely kill a tree outright, but repeated pecking weakens the wood over time.
Squirrels and nesting birds often move into existing holes. Their activity doesn’t cause the damage, but it does widen existing holes.
Insects and Existing Weakness
Carpenter ants are among the common reasons for holes in tree trunks, despite their small size. They tunnel through bark in groups, and their presence usually means decay was already underway.
Termites bore smaller holes, often just an eighth of an inch wide. Neither insect typically causes major bark damage on its own.
Old Injuries
Most holes trace back to earlier damage. A broken limb or a bad pruning cut can break the tree’s outer layer. Long-term stress from disease does the same thing slowly.
Once that barrier is gone, moisture and microorganisms move in. This is really what causes large holes in tree trunks to form and spread over the years. The decay can travel up and down the trunk, creating a column of rot inside.
Fungal Rot From Within
Fungal infections break down wood from the inside out. This explains tree trunk cavities and their causes in many older trees. You might spot mushrooms growing near the base or cracks forming along the bark.
A tree can still grow leaves and look full even while losing strength internally. That gap between outward appearance and inner health is why trees develop large trunk holes without obvious warning.
Watching for Trouble
Keep an eye out for the following signs of tree trunk decay and damage:
- A hole covering more than a third of the trunk’s width.
- Brown leaves, peeling bark, or broken limbs nearby.
- Holes found near driveways or buildings, where tree failure poses a real risk.
Together, these details cover the main causes of large holes in tree trunks that homeowners tend to notice.
Call a Professional
A tree with a hole can hide serious internal damage despite looking stable. Climbing or cutting near a compromised section carries risk, since the wood above may not hold. Arborists assess the structure first and often skip climbing for badly rotted trees. Calling a professional always makes sense when a hole raises questions.
Schedule a Tree Inspection With Top-Notch Tree Service
Now that you know what causes large holes in tree trunks, you can watch for trouble early. A trained eye can catch the signs of a dying tree long before it becomes a safety issue. Call Top-Notch Tree Service at (970) 556-5000 for an inspection today.