Tree Bark Question

[Chris1234]

 

Hi, 

 

I after some advice. 

 

My rabbit decided today that an apple tree in my garden didn't require some of its bark.

 

In fact in a short space of time took a fair bit off, id say 40% around the base... 

 

Pics attached. 

 

I will protect the base of course but do you recommend anything else?  Would I need to potentially look at some saddle grafts maybe? 

 

Ive heard wrapping the wound or tree sealants are that effective etc... 

 

Any help appreciated. 

 

C

[agg221]

It will almost certainly be fine with regard to the loss of bark. It hasn't lost that much and the tree is fairly small, so it will heal over completely in a year or two. Don't worry about putting anything over it as you are more likely to seal anything fungal in. It certainly hasn't taken enough off to worry about bridge grafting.

 

I would go for a ring of wire mesh, leaving plenty of space inside around the whole trunk.

 

My bigger concern is the number of uncovered roots and the fact that I can't see the graft line. If that has been buried then your tree is now rooting from above, meaning that it may well get rather larger than you originally thought it would.

Alec

 

 

[Chris1234]

On 06/02/2022 at 00:11, agg221 said:

It will almost certainly be fine with regard to the loss of bark. It hasn't lost that much and the tree is fairly small, so it will heal over completely in a year or two. Don't worry about putting anything over it as you are more likely to seal anything fungal in. It certainly hasn't taken enough off to worry about bridge grafting.

 

I would go for a ring of wire mesh, leaving plenty of space inside around the whole trunk.

 

My bigger concern is the number of uncovered roots and the fact that I can't see the graft line. If that has been buried then your tree is now rooting from above, meaning that it may well get rather larger than you originally thought it would.

Alec

 

 

Thank you for the reply Alec, I may not need to worry quite as much as I was then... Its a really nice tree ive only owned the house for 10months but I think the trees been here about 5 years ish.. 

 

I thought that much bark damage was going to cause significant issues, lets hope not then. 

 

In terms of the roots etc... the tree is how I inherited it etc... Is there anything I can do to stop the roots doing whatever you suggest they are? ... Size wise the tree is big enough so to slow it down would be ideal. 

Thank you once again! 

 

C

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, Chris1234 said:

Thank you for the reply Alec, I may not need to worry quite as much as I was then... Its a really nice tree ive only owned the house for 10months but I think the trees been here about 5 years ish.. 

 

I thought that much bark damage was going to cause significant issues, lets hope not then. 

 

In terms of the roots etc... the tree is how I inherited it etc... Is there anything I can do to stop the roots doing whatever you suggest they are? ... Size wise the tree is big enough so to slow it down would be ideal. 

Thank you once again! 

 

C

You could put the rabbit in a pie 😄 .....only in jest ...

Edited February 8, 2022 by Stubby