Hello,

I am so sorry that this happened to your tree. Deer are such nasty creatures especially in the fall. I had the same situation occur a few years ago. A deer tore off the crown of a newly planted Japanese maple. Sad, but these trees are resilient. The following spring buds appeared on the trunk. Today, that little tree is beginning to look like it is supposed to.

Protect your tree from further predation—put stakes around it and wind fishing line around the stakes in straight lines and diagonally. The bark will repair the damage to the trunk itself by compartmentalization as long as the damage does not girdle the trunk. If it is girdled, the tree will have a tough time recovering. The damaged area does not need to be painted with tar.

The last couple of months have been very dry. So, as we go into the winter, ensure that the tree receives an inch of water per week.

I hope that buds will appear in the spring. Good luck with your tree.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.