Does a woodpecker hole kill the tree?

Not necessarily. While woodpeckers do make holes in trees, these holes do not always kill the tree. The survival of the tree after being pecked by a woodpecker depends on several factors, including the species of tree, the health and condition of the tree before the woodpecker attack, the size and location of the holes made by the woodpecker, and environmental factors such as drought or other stressors.

Generally speaking, healthy, mature trees can often tolerate woodpecker damage without significant harm. The woodpecker holes may eventually heal and the tree can continue to grow and thrive. However, certain factors can increase the risk of tree mortality after woodpecker damage. For example, if a large number of holes are made in a small area of the tree, or if the holes are located in critical areas such as the trunk or major branches, the tree may be weakened and more susceptible to disease, insect infestation, or other stressors. Additionally, trees that are already stressed due to other factors, such as drought or poor soil conditions, may be more likely to succumb to woodpecker damage.

In summary, while woodpecker holes may not directly kill a tree, they can increase the risk of tree mortality in certain cases. The survival of a woodpecker-damaged tree depends on various factors related to the tree's health, the extent and location of the damage, and environmental conditions.