Damage? Woodpecker?

Is this from a woodpecker? Can the tree survive? Anything I can do about it?
Delmarva peninsula I have seen some of those big red headed woodpeckers.
Thanks in advance.

Hi haighr:

Woodpeckers make those kind of cavities for their nests in dead wood of trees, so this is quite normal.

What is NOT normal: that tree is probably a species of Ash (Fraxinus sp.) that has likely been under assault by the invasive insect Emerald Ash Borer. Unless you or someone else has been treating that tree against this devastating pest, it is probably mostly or all dead already.

Tell us more about that tree, and maybe some additional closeups of the trunk, branches, stems, and buds - but I think I can see enough to ID it.

I will get some better pics today. We just moved here a year ago and I know we have a real problem planting around it as I tried to start a couple forsythia nearby and they just keep croaking. Even can't have grass growing under it or the other two nut trees beside it.
Thanks for your help.

You are so right my friend! I took a look. I saw all the little emerald ash borer "d" shaped holes. Top of tree already broken off and dead.

You are so right my friend! I took a look. I saw all the little emerald ash borer "d" shaped holes. Top of tree already broken off and dead.

Dang

Wow VV, that was impressive!

Yah!

I'm not happy to be right, or that the tree is a goner.

I'm happy that the woodpecker is doing the job finding a home...

So what next? Sit back and wait!

Haighr, it sure looks like a dilemma to me, it would be for me. Before the Picidae took up residence, it would have been an easy decision to fell the tree and replace it.

As it is, I'd feel too honored to have the home on my property, so I'd sit back and watch for as long as it takes.

Don't build a patio under it...

It still has some life in it as some limbs are budding. I will not be taking it down, it will have to decide when for itself!

That's really kind of you, thanks for letting me know that Haighr.

😉
I'll try to keep you posted.

This message was edited Mar 14, 2016 7:43 AM