Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - November 17, 2006
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Possible woodpecker damage in Monterrey Oaks
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I live in NW Austin and have two Monterey Oak trees, each about 30 - 45 gal in size. They both were planted approximately 9 months ago. Both trees seem to have some cracking bark on the trunk along with little bore holes that appear to have some type of blackish sap coming out of them that has since dried to the trunk of the tree. I am curious as to what this is, how I can treat it (if I can at all) and/or what I should do. Please help as I don't want these little fellas to die!ANSWER:
It sounds as if a woodpecker, going after insects, may have drilled the little holes in your tree. It is possible that you have borers, but it would be highly unusual for young, healthy trees to be affected by boring insects. Probably this is a one-time occurrence; but if you see more bark-splitting or weeping holes, you might want to contact a certified arborist or your Travis County Extension Agent for advice.More Trees Questions
Fruit-bearing crabapple for Austin, TX
January 07, 2007 - Is there a fruitbearing crabapple that will live in Austin. If so, what soil type is required?
view the full question and answer
Madrone too close to house in Oregon
February 02, 2009 - I have a small Madrone tree (8ft tall) located approximatly 15 feet from my house, with a basement.
Should I remove it? ie will it damage the foundation and is the tree strong enough that it will no...
view the full question and answer
Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees?
January 18, 2016 - Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees? I know the Siberian Iris is tolerant but the scientific names are not the same yet everything I read indicates that blue eyed grass is not in the g...
view the full question and answer
Toxicity of Fan Tex Ash tree to horses
July 22, 2012 - Is the Fan Tex Ash tree toxic to horses?
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of Magnolia in Webster FL
May 24, 2009 - Do all Magnolias Bloom? I live in Central Florida - transplanted a Magnolia 7 1/2 years ago. It is a beautiful tree - very healthy - at least 10-12 ft. It has never had a bloom!! I have another li...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |