the actual holes are more evenly spaced apart. They almost look man made
but they aren't.
Yes it is an in the ground tree; it is about 80 feet tall.
They are neatly spaced holes spanning the width around the tree trunk in a
neat line.

I think what you are describing is the work of a nuthatch, who punches holes in
treetrunks looking for insects. Watch for a small, nondescript bird who creeps
up & down the trunk. It could also be a woodpecker. Have you heard his
drumming?
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)