birch peeled back to brown and cracking

[m1lesr]

Hi,

 

I have a Betula utilis Jermyns planted 2002 and now a fantastic tree. Unfortunately a couple of months ago my 5 year old daughter got carried away peeling off the white papery bark until it was brown/green all the way around for 10 inches about 3 to 4 feet from the ground. See pictures below.

 

I'm concerned now as the brown area has cracks in it. The green area isn't cracked. I was wondering if the area should be protected, treated in any way? I've read a few passing comments that removing the bark in such a way on a birch can kill the tree and that would be very sad thing.

 

 

Thank you,

 

Miles.

[Mesterh]

The cracks might be due to the sun drying out the inner bark.

 

It should be ok since it looks like the cambium(green bit ) is still intact in most parts.

 

I dont thin there is much you can do but covering it may help if the cracks are because of the sun.

 

Hopefully someone else with some better knowledge of this than me will chime in with some better info.

[Bundle 2]

Hi mIles..

Not liking the look of that ....The brown areas look necrotic. Vascular function, well, no vascular function I would say. Sunburn it is! next stop, post the invites for bacterial/fungal party....

Its not certain to end in death of the plant I would say. I was looking at some beech in a woodland over the w/e. Some were 3/4 ringbarked from deer browsing; historical. The woundwood has never been allowed to seal the damage....The crowns were all well despite the sandy, free draining breckland soils and recent dry conditions .

You should try some measure to reduce the heats' effects mate.

If the tree is otherwise well established and vital, I would be hopeful that it should prevail.

 

Welcome to the forum mate!

[m1lesr]

Thanks for the replies, it does look a mess, shame as it stands on its own in the middle of the lawn.

 

The green side is south facing - which is perhaps a good thing. I'll try and rig up a bit of shade, but won't resort to factor 50! Good to hear it could well survive, but I guess that area may never return to papery peeling. The crown is looking fine, all the leaves are green despite the lack of rain.

 

Cheers,

 

Miles.