Knowledgebase

Bark Chewed from around young apple tree #823991

Asked March 30, 2023, 4:50 PM EDT

I saw that something has recently chewed the bark from our apple tree that is only about 5.5 years in the ground. The bark has been removed all the way around and a couple feet up the tree. Is there any way to save the tree, or is it a lost cause? Thanks.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Sorry, there is nothing to be done. Your tree may leaf out because the leaves were made last fall. The tree won’t be able to pull food up from the roots and the leaves will die. A ring of hardware cloth or tree guards can be put around trunks to provide some protection if you plant another tree. There will be a lot of rabbit damage this year and if the barrier wasn’t higher than the snow the bunnies will eat anything they can reach. 

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