U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1979. A guide to common insects and diseases of forest trees in the northeastern United States. Northeast. Area State and Private Forestry, Forest Insect and Disease Management., Broomall, PA. p. 123, illus.(USDA Forest Service, Northeast Area State and Private Forestry Publication. NA-FR-4)'
Sapsuckers, particularly the yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius varius) in the East, often injure or kill trees. These birds favor yellow birch, paper birch, hemlock, and aspen, but also damage other species. Sapsuckers drill small holes in the trees and drink the sap or feed it to their young. They nest in hollow trees (usually aspen) near their "orchards" and return again and again to favorite trees. When heavily drilled, a section of bark dies, and decay fungi can enter the tree. Sometimes the tree, or the top of the tree, is completely girdled and killed. Sapsucker holes cause defects in lumber and therefore lower its value. The injuries also lead to separation of the wood layers within the tree, a condition lumbermen call "shake."
Sapsuckers are protected by law. Even if they were not, little is gained by killing them. Other sapsuckers lacking territories usually replace those killed. Removal of the nesting trees may be warranted where the birds are a serious problem, but the damage is not severe enough to justify the cost.
