Treating Linden tree where birds are boring right through branches reach bugs.

[Lyons76]

Hi, a Linden tree, which is of great sentimental value and is nearly 45 years old, has suddenly appeared with large holes bored into it, and in some cases right through its branches.

We believe that the holes have been caused by birds (likely White Cockatoos) which are boring into the tree to access worms/bugs that are within some of the branches. See photos attached of the damage.

We will prune the affected branches back to the trunk, but my question is, what treatment should I then give the tree to rid it of the bugs/worms, and therefore the birds?

Note: we haven't actually seen the insects the birds are eating, just the birds boring into the tree.. so can't be 100% sure of what we are treating for. It's in a paddock on the family farm, so not monitored close up.

Any advice appreciated,

Ben

Sydney, Australia

 

[ATH]

The severity of that decay needs a closer look. Probably a series of events:
1) something damaged the tree exposing inner wood
2) bugs started eating the now dead/exposed wood
3) at the same time the exposed wood started rotting
4) Birds fed on the bugs

 

[jzack605]

The hell kind of birds y’all got in Australia.