Hi Robin,

I'm sorry to hear about the damage to your young tree. We appreciate you reaching out to explore what to do!

We're seeing a couple types of damage to your tree trunk. Let's start with the jagged wounds. Based on the photo you've provided, what you've described and where the damage appears on the trunk, it's likely the damage is from deer, squirrels or raccoons. Squirrels and raccoons tend to damage tree trunks in the winter, but they can cause damage during times of drought.

A healthy and younger tree will seal off the damage and close wounds faster, so the first step is to keep your young tree healthy!

-- Be sure your tree is getting regular watering. Here are some helpful tips on watering young trees: https://csfs.colostate.edu/colorado-trees/selecting-planting-and-caring-for-trees/

-- Oxygen helps the tree close up the wounds, so don't paint over the wounds, which can inhibit oxygen flow. 

-- Remove any loose bark to create a clean wound. You can trace around the wound with a wood file and use a sharp knife to remove the loose bark. If you prefer, reach out to a licensed tree care professional to help with the latter: treesaregood.org/findanarborist/

-- This winter, you may want to wrap your tree for added trunk protection. We typically suggest wrapping a tree from Thanksgiving to Tax Day. You can find info on wrapping trees here: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf

Purdue University Extension has helpful info on how trees seal wounds, which may be helpful for you too: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/

We also suggest protecting the tree from additional animal damage. It can be hard to tell what type of animal is the culprit without actually seeing the animal or recording it, but deer tend to leave distinctive droppings--groups of pellets that are 3/4" long and slightly sausage shaped. I'm going to share a few resources here to help prevent additional animal damage.

-- Minimizing deer damage: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/preventing-deer-damage-6-520/

--Minimizing squirrel and rodent damage: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2303-squirrel-damage-trees/ and https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1924/na/html/view

We are noticing a few other things in your photo:

1) There is a thin, horizontal damage line that extends across your tree trunk and potentially around your tree. Those are wounds to avoid because they have the potential to cause long-term problems with the tree moving water and nutrients. Sometimes, cords from tree stakes can damage trees in that way, so it's best to remove any stakes and cords. You can learn more about best practices for staking trees here: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/654.pdf

2) There appears to be a young branch or a sucker on the back side of the tree. We suggest removing it from the point of origin to enhance the vigor and health of the tree.

3) It looks like there is a green stake very close to the tree. We recommend removing it as well, so it doesn't damage those young tree roots. Tree roots grow close to the surface and extend out from the tree. 

Here's the good news... Trees have a remarkable ability to heal themselves. Take heart, you're asking the right questions, and we hope these steps help.

Kindly,

Ann K.