We planted it 3 years ago and it's been doing well until 2 weeks ago when I noticed several areas (near ground and about 3 feet up) where the bark was scraped (or chewed?) off. Not sure if this is an animal or disease. Any help appreciated ....thanks

We planted it 3 years ago and it's been doing well until 2 weeks ago when I  noticed several areas (near ground and about 3 feet up) where the bark was scraped (or chewed?) off.  Not sure if this is an animal or disease.  Any help appreciated ....thanks

Hi, 

This does not look like a disease. It is most likely buck rub from deer. If it were squirrels or other animals biting the bark you would see more gnawing marks or teeth marks. 

With this amount of damage it may not recover. You can always wait and see if it leafs out this spring but it will be stressed and susceptible to disease. 

You can look over our Dogwood common problems page to be on the look out for any signs or symptoms. Also you should protect the tree from any future deer damage. You can put some fencing material around the trunk so they can't reach it, but you may also want to make sure they can't get to the upper branches for any nibbling. 

If you have more questions on how to protect it or any other problems that may arise, feel free to send additional photos along with the questions. 

Emily