Pear Trees Have Holes In Bark

Question From: M. Connell - WISCONSIN
Q: We have two pear trees at least 20 yrs old The some of inside large branches have broken off. but there are holes in the trees I don't know if it was woodpeckers are they getting old and can the weather enter the tree and rot the tree can we plug the holes and we were thinking of latex calking ? thank you

A: The holes were probably made by woodpeckers. Do not attempt to plug them. Mother Nature does a better job of healing. Best and Happy Yardening, Nancy