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.

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.