tree problem

[dietcoke]

i have a huge lime tree outside my house. the tree is owned by the local council. in the last couple of weeks i have noticed a hole forming at the base of the tree and it is getting slowly larger. today it is about six inches high, four inches wide and four inches deep (into the trunk). the shavings from the hole are scattered around the base of the tree like something is gnawing at it. i would appreciate any suggestions

[Thunderbird+]

Hi dietcoke, Many old trees become hollow with age but it does'nt always mean it's unsafe.
What I suggest you do is contact your local council, who will have a Tree Officer specialised in all aspects of tree health/care and should be interested to come down and have a look at it and if the tree is being harmed, some suitable action may be employed. Good Luck Tbird+

[queen 1954]

suppose it could be a woodpecker.