Howdy. My native elms have holes in the trunk. Most of the holes are in perfect line, girdling the trunk. Can anyone tell me what it is and what to do if this will harm the tree?
Thanks, Ellen in College Station

Most likely, it is a bird that is doing this. I believe it is a sapsucker that does this, but could be a woodpecker or other kind of bird I am not thinking of right now, but I have seen this before.

Is the tree flare showing really well? Has there been any stress the tree has gone through?

I do not know how much damage this can cause.

Anyone else have any ideas?