Tree Holes: Worlds Within Worlds

Many people may think that when a tree has a hole in its trunk it is flawed. The contrary is true; trees with holes and hollowed out spaces are quite valuable and, in fact, diversify the quality of the forest as wildlife habitat.

It's true that a tree with holes in it may be old, sick and possibly dying; but that may not always be and, in any case, doesn't matter. Woodpeckers, which are notorious for forming holes in trees, are often accused of killing a tree by putting holes in it. In some cases the woodpecker is hunting for insects, which are feeding on the wood of the tree. A hole may also form where a branch has been broken off a tree. Over time, the place from which the branch grew rots and hollows out, leaving a cavity in the tree that can be used by wildlife.

Holes that form in trees, be it by woodpeckers or other natural means, are extremely valuable real-estate for forest creatures. A variety of wildlife, ranging from insects to reptiles to birds and mammals, make use of the various types of holes and hollows that form in trees. Uses vary from nesting places in which young can be raised, places to feed and sleep, or protection from weather and predators.

So, the next time you evaluate your little piece of earth and notice that you have a tree with a hole or a dead branch, consider leaving it be. Cutting off the dead branch or cutting down the tree may be more cosmetically pleasing, but is not healthy for the ecosystem. In return for leaving the tree, you may attract a variety of wildlife that you will then have the opportunity to observe.

A nice link to learn more about woodpeckers and tree cavities is: http://www.cmiae.org/woodpeckers.htm. Reference: William H. Amos. Today's photo was taken in Westmoreland County along an un-named Loyalhanna Creek tributary in late winter. The tree is an old American beech.

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