Hollowhog Hollow
and Tec-Spout modification

Hollowhog tool being used by arborist at height in tree. Small entry hole but grinds out a larger hole inside suitable for wildlife nesting hollow.
Hollowhog tool being used by arborist at height in tree. Small entry hole but grinds out a larger hole inside suitable for wildlife nesting hollow.

The Hollowhog is a tool invented by Matt Stephens out of NSW Australia. It is powered by a typical angle grinder and a portable generator, and in most cases requires an external vacuum to remove debris.

It allows an internal cavity to be created through a 50mm or larger opening. This method has been designed to minimise the overall wounding in live trees.

However wound wood formation is an issue that has resulted in most users adding entry modifiers such as spouts to combat wound closure. Treetec have developed the Tec-Spout technique to maintain hole entry – as seen in image. Correct installation of these entry modifiers requires a greater surface area of wounding (~90mm diameter) but does allow control of specific entry sizes smaller than 50mm.

From our experience using the hollow hog, it excels where:

  • larger tree options are limited,
  • site access is good for movement of vehicles & equipment such as generators
  • target species requirements are small (entry holes 40mm diameter or less).
Hollowhog artificial wildlife hollow installation using a Tec-Spout entry hole. Immediately suitable Wildlife nesting hollow.
Hollowhog artificial wildlife hollow installation using a Tec-Spout entry hole. Immediately suitable Wildlife nesting hollow.

We have found that for larger internal hollows with entry requirements 50mm diameter or greater, the Tec-Door / narrow door method is the most efficient and cost effective. Treetec utilise both methods on many projects.

Treetec arborists and ecologists can come and assess your property for a range of potential hollow sites dependant on your property parameters and species present. No 2 sites are the same and we will work with you to deliver the best outcomes using a variety of introduced hollow and nest/log box techniques. Contact us for more information.

Melbourne Arborist