What is a tree hollow? Tree hollows are simply large holes that form inside trees. They are usually made when a branch falls or bark is damaged allowing fungi to break down the wood while the outer sapwood remains alive. Insects like termites and beetles dig into the weakened wood creating cavities. Sometimes the hollow can be made larger when wildlife such as cockatoos dig out the inside.
 

Hollows are important in the ecosystem as they provide homes and nesting spaces for wildlife like birds, bats, and possums. Unfortunately, hollows take 100-200 years to form and 400 years to be suitable for larger animals. So, when areas are cleared of these old-growth trees to build houses or farms it would take hundreds of years for them to come back.

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Enter nest boxes! Nest boxes don’t take hundreds of years to form and can be installed at any height, size and depth you want. Different animals will want different shaped hollows and nest boxes can be custom built for certain species. If you want to attract native wildlife in your own backyard and don’t have a tree with hollows, nest boxes are the way to go! Who knows what animals might move in?

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