Tree Service Experts in Naples, FL, Share Tips for Dealing with Birds Nesting in Your Yard.
What Naples Homeowners Should Watch For
Birdsong is part of the charm of living in Naples, FL. From coastal herons to backyard woodpeckers, our feathered neighbors add beauty and movement to the landscape. But sometimes, the relationship between birds and your trees isn’t so harmonious. In fact, certain bird species can cause surprising damage to trees, primarily to palms, fruit trees, and aging hardwoods common across Southwest Florida. Whether you’re seeing unexplained holes in the bark or limbs breaking near nests, it may be time to consider how bird activity is impacting your tree’s health.
In this guide, we’ll break down which birds to watch for, what damage looks like, and how to protect your trees without disrupting the natural balance of your yard.
Tree-Bird Interactions in South Florida
Unlike temperate or dry climates, Southwest Florida’s year-round warmth makes it a haven for both trees and birds. This prolonged growing season means trees are almost always “active,” producing sap and new growth that can attract birds seeking food or nesting spots.
Birds often benefit your landscape by:
-
Controlling pest insects (especially caterpillars and beetles)
-
Spreading native plant seeds
-
Supporting pollination in flowering trees and shrubs
But when birds begin to over-interact with your trees, especially through repeated pecking or nesting, it can weaken the bark, expose the tree to disease, and in some cases, shorten the tree’s lifespan.
Common Tree-Damaging Birds in Naples, FL
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers
These are among the most common Florida woodpeckers, known for hammering tree trunks to search for insects.
-
Target trees: Palms, pines, oaks, and gumbo-limbo
-
Damage: Deep holes or grooves in bark
-
Risks: May allow fungus or insects to enter; repeated damage can lead to decay
Northern Flickers
Often overlooked, flickers drill in loose, dead bark and can strip thin-barked trees.
-
Target trees: Fruit trees, softwoods, and decaying branches
-
Damage: Clustered shallow holes
-
Risks: Accelerated decline in older trees or those already weakened by disease
European Starlings
An invasive species, starlings are notorious for occupying cavities meant for native birds and damaging young limbs when nesting.
-
Target trees: Any large-canopy tree or palm with crevices
-
Damage: Nesting disturbances, droppings buildup
-
Risks: Spread of disease, displacement of beneficial species
Doves and Pigeons
While not directly aggressive to trees, their droppings can become a long-term issue.
-
Target trees: Any horizontal-branching or multi-trunk palms
-
Damage: Accumulated guano on branches, patios, and walkways
-
Risks: Introduces bacteria and affects the soil chemistry at the base of trees
Signs of Bird Damage in Palm and Shade Trees
Not sure if your tree is being impacted by birds? Here are some of the early warning signs our arborists look for during a tree risk assessment:
-
Small, evenly spaced holes in bark (sap wells)
-
Bark peeling off near nesting sites
-
Cracks in the crown of palm trees from repeated landing or pecking
-
Mold or fungus growth following sap leakage
-
Unusual sap flow or “bleeding” at the trunk
-
Large flocks of birds consistently roosting in the same tree
Many of these signs overlap with tree disease or pest issues, so it’s important to have a professional inspection to determine the root cause.
Bird Behavior & Tree Vulnerability: What Makes a Tree a Target?
You may be wondering, why one tree and not another? While some of it depends on bird species preference, other factors include:
-
Bark Texture: Smooth-barked trees (like certain palms) are more vulnerable to damage due to the lack of protective ridges.
-
Tree Health: Birds like woodpeckers are attracted to the sound and scent of insects inside decaying wood.
-
Tree Height and Isolation: The tallest tree in your yard, especially if it’s close to a bird feeder or pool, becomes an attractive perching and nesting site.
-
Seasonal Changes: In dry seasons, birds may target trees with sap flow or softwood for moisture and nesting material.
Understanding these patterns can help you make smart landscaping decisions, from spacing to species selection, that minimize bird-related stress on your trees.
How to Safely Deter Birds From Damaging Your Trees
Most tree service and environmental experts will always advocate for humane, wildlife-friendly strategies. And while you want to protect your trees too, there is often a happy medium. Here are a few proven techniques:
-
Install reflective tape or wind chimes to startle birds without harming them
-
Wrap trunks in burlap or tree guards during peak nesting seasons
-
Relocate feeders or bird baths away from at-risk trees
-
Use netting on fruit trees during harvest season to reduce attraction
-
Install nesting boxes elsewhere on your property to redirect activity
Note: Many bird species, including woodpeckers, are protected under federal law. Avoid removing active nests or using deterrents that may harm the animals.
Long-Term Tree Health Solutions
Even minor bird damage can accelerate the decline of an already struggling tree. That’s why plant health care and proactive maintenance are key to resilience.
We recommend:
-
Annual tree trimming to remove dead limbs and reduce nesting areas
-
Tree pruning strategies that strengthen canopy structure
-
Disease and insect monitoring to prevent double stressors
Soil and root care to promote recovery in weakened trees
A healthy tree is your best defense against both natural and animal-related stress.
Schedule a Tree Health Assessment in Naples
If you’ve noticed strange pecking holes, bark shedding, or increased bird activity in one tree more than others, it’s worth scheduling an expert consultation. At Any Town Tree, we serve Naples homeowners with honest assessments, preventive care, and long-term solutions that protect your trees and the surrounding ecosystem. Call today to schedule an appointment with our experienced arborists.