Do I need to plant a new tree next spring, or is there any way to save it?
If the bark is gone all the way around the trunk, the tree won’t survive.
Charlie said:
If the bark is gone all the way around the trunk, the tree won’t survive.
It’s a Honeycrisp apple tree. Gave me so much fruit last year. I guess I’ll have to replace it and be more careful.
Penn said:
@Corwin
I use black corrugated drain pipe. Cut it to size, split it down the side, and wrap it around the trunk. It’s cheap and works great.
We do this too. Also protects the trunk when trimming weeds around it.
Penn said:
@Corwin
I use black corrugated drain pipe. Cut it to size, split it down the side, and wrap it around the trunk. It’s cheap and works great.
That’s actually a brilliant idea!
@Corwin
In our permaculture garden, we’ve planted a second tree next to damaged ones and grafted above the injury. Might be worth trying.
Uma said:
@Corwin
In our permaculture garden, we’ve planted a second tree next to damaged ones and grafted above the injury. Might be worth trying.
I’ve never done it myself, but I hope this works for you. Apple trees are amazing!
Axel said:
@Corwin
I planted one last spring. Hoping for a couple of apples this year. Do you have another tree nearby for pollination?
Yes, the other one hasn’t been touched by the rabbits. Yet.
@Corwin
For now. My rabbits went after one tree first and came for the other a few days later. Get some trunk protectors while you can!
@Corwin
Switch to hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. It’s sturdier and keeps critters out.
@Corwin
RIP to your Honeycrisp. Losing a productive tree is tough.
@Corwin
Don’t give up just yet. We had 20 young trees chewed on by sheep and they all survived. It depends on how deep the damage is.
Charlie said:
If the bark is gone all the way around the trunk, the tree won’t survive.
Yep, it’s done for.
Charlie said:
If the bark is gone all the way around the trunk, the tree won’t survive.
Is there really nothing you can do to help the tree heal? Like wrapping it with something?
Charlie said:
If the bark is gone all the way around the trunk, the tree won’t survive.
Is there really nothing you can do to help the tree heal? Like wrapping it with something?
The inner bark is what moves nutrients and water. If it’s gone all the way around, the tree essentially starves to death. There’s no easy fix for that.
Definitely rabbits. You can see their droppings in the picture. If the bark’s gone all the way around, the tree’s a goner. Try using plastic drain tile for better protection next time.
Ming said:
Definitely rabbits. You can see their droppings in the picture. If the bark’s gone all the way around, the tree’s a goner. Try using plastic drain tile for better protection next time.
I like how you called them pebbled poop. Makes it sound less gross.
@Nova
My husband calls them ‘forbidden Cocoa Puffs.’
Ming said:
Definitely rabbits. You can see their droppings in the picture. If the bark’s gone all the way around, the tree’s a goner. Try using plastic drain tile for better protection next time.
Has anyone tried hanging Irish Spring soap from trees? Or spreading human hair around? I heard it keeps wildlife away. My mom even makes my dad and sister pee outside, claiming morning pee is stronger and scares animals off. Is she losing it or does this stuff work?