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branches on my linden tree stripped of bark #681958

Asked February 26, 2021, 5:28 PM EST

Hello, I have a linden tree in my front yard and over the past few years i've noticed that a number of branches have been completely stripped of bark. these branches are healthy up to a point, then they are stripped to the tip of the branch. In past years i've had issues with aphids, to the extent that the car I park under the tree had been coated with honeydew. The wasps loved the honeydew, but unfortunately I'm allergic to wasps. With a suggestion I receive here, last year & the year before i've brought ladybugs to dine on the aphids & the leaves seem a bit more healthy. AND my yard has fewer wasps. :) All good, but now this issue with stripped branches. i have attached some pics. any ideas? I do have lots of squirrels... would they cause this issue? the squirrels are rather brazen, regularly even eating my christmas lights. thanks you for any suggestions.

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.

Diane M Replied February 27, 2021, 8:19 AM EST

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)

 

The Question Asker Replied March 01, 2021, 11:15 AM EST

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.

Diane M Replied March 01, 2021, 4:59 PM EST

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