Deer eating bark of Japanese maple tree - Ask Extension
Deer have recently been eating the bark of our 6" Japanese maple tree. Given the amount of bark stripped from the tree, will it survive. If so ...
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Deer eating bark of Japanese maple tree #808553
Asked August 29, 2022, 1:18 PM EDT
Deer have recently been eating the bark of our 6" Japanese maple tree. Given the amount of bark stripped from the tree, will it survive. If so how will its growth be affected?
Lake County Ohio
Expert Response
Mark,
Based on the damage I can see in your closer photo, I believe your tree will survive if you can stop further damage. It is not clear to me if the damage is from eating or rubbing. I've had significant rubbing damage on small smooth-bark trees that looks similar to your damage.
I use pieces of rebar next to my young pawpaw trees and a pine tree that is healing from serious rubbing a few years ago (see attached photos). The deer don't like the feel of the rough steel on their velvet/antlers.
If the damage is from eating, fencing or a metal/plastic tree guard can prevent further damage. Here's an article with more details:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#netting%2C-tubes-or-other-protective-structures-1880562
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Based on the damage I can see in your closer photo, I believe your tree will survive if you can stop further damage. It is not clear to me if the damage is from eating or rubbing. I've had significant rubbing damage on small smooth-bark trees that looks similar to your damage.
I use pieces of rebar next to my young pawpaw trees and a pine tree that is healing from serious rubbing a few years ago (see attached photos). The deer don't like the feel of the rough steel on their velvet/antlers.
If the damage is from eating, fencing or a metal/plastic tree guard can prevent further damage. Here's an article with more details:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#netting%2C-tubes-or-other-protective-structures-1880562
Please let me know if you have further questions.
