Young Maple Tree - Bark Damage - Ask Extension
We recently noticed some damage to the bark of our young maple tree. The bark is peeled away at the base on one side. After monitoring for a week, t...
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Young Maple Tree - Bark Damage #761984
Asked July 15, 2021, 4:00 PM EDT
We recently noticed some damage to the bark of our young maple tree. The bark is peeled away at the base on one side. After monitoring for a week, the damage seems to be getting worse, there are leaves that are starting to brown and we noticed some insect activity in the wound. Can you recommend any treatment or solutions to make sure we do not lose the tree?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Mark,
I would just leave the wound try to seal itself. If you try to cut off the flap or remove the loose bark, you could do more damage.
Do consider removing the turf under the tree and adding a layer of mulch, 4-5" thick, keeping it at least 6" away from the trunk. This will prevent future lawnmower or string trimmer injury.
