Knowledgebase
branches on my linden tree stripped of bark #681958
Asked February 26, 2021, 5:28 PM EST
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your bark stripping is likely due to the squirrels you mention. Linden trees have thin bark, which the squirrels like. If the damage is limited to a third or less of the circumference of a branch or the trunk, it should be fine, and the wound should close off in a few years. It’s possible that a fungus may reach the wounded section, but there is little you can do about that now, and hopefully that won’t occur. As temperatures increase, some stripped branches may die. Remove any dead wood.
You might try providing an alternate food source for the squirrels, such as a bird feeder, which is placed away from your tree. They may then go to that source, rather than your linden.
Good luck with your tree.
Thanks for this info. Yes, my squirrels are pretty bold. Every year I end up throwing away my Christmas lights at the end of the season because they have chewed through them.
There is a squirrels nest at the top of this same linden tree. Are they eating the bark or are they using it for nesting material?
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2021 07:20
To: Mercier, Teresa A <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: [External] Re: branches on my linden tree stripped of bark (#0006772)
They both eat the bark and use it to line their nests. Your best bet may be to try to keep them away from your tree through repellents or physical barriers.