Sapsucker Bark Damage

Question

I have an older (but somewhat small) Holly tree on my porch that is being attacked by what I’ve been able to identify as a ‘red-naped sapsucker’. I’m still in the process of ending his feasting by hanging anything and everything I can around the tree to try to keep him from comfortably eating. I wasn’t having much success until I had to put some aluminum foil around the tree. But, I’m still left with the rows and patches of damage. Is there something I can do (like patch or seal) the open wounds to help the tree survive?

Answer 1

You are better off leaving the wounds open. The shrub will heal itself. Patching the wounds will lead to trapping harmful bacteria in the wounds, which increases the chances of rot.