Damaged Pine by a Pileated Woodpecker

Question

A pileated woodpecker has created a hugh hole in what appears to be a healthy, very large pine tree. How can I fill it/fix it to prevent further damage to the tree?

Answer 1

If it is just a few holes, treat them with an insecticide and a fungicide (neem oil is nice because it is both) and let them heal over naturally. If it is more than a few holes or they are big holes (more than 1 inch), you can cover the area with hardware mesh to keep animals out.