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Something is chewing on my Locust tree, will it kill it? #269580

Asked August 12, 2015, 11:19 AM EDT

I have two locust trees in my yard and something is eating the bark on each of them in spots.  I know I have raccoons in the neighborhood, but I have never seen them eat bark.  What do you think is doing this?  Will it kill the tree?  How can I stop it?

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

While not impossible, I don't this this is damage from raccoons. Raccoons tend to raid the vegetable garden or fruit trees rather than eat bark from trees. Most likely this is squirrel damage. Generally squirrels will strip the bark from twigs and smaller limbs but have been known to strip the bark off trunks and bigger branches as well. You can look for gnaw marks on these areas. In the pictures, I can't "zoom" enough to be able to distinguish teeth marks. Here is additional information on squirrel damage to trees: 

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2303.html

Squirrel damage to trees can be confused with that of insect damage when debarking of branches or trunks is present.If possible, look closely at the areas to see if you notice any increased insect activity or small black "pimples" in these areas. Below is a fact sheet on honeylocust diseases and what to look for.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02939.html

I didn't see anything in the pictures but a closer look by you would be advisable. Again I can't zoom in close enough to see these areas without too much distortion.





An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 14, 2015, 7:56 PM EDT

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