Bark damage

Tippjohn

Help, my ornamental and fruit trees have been part stripped of bark by Hares, caught them at it. Is there any repair or have they had it. Saw them at it a few days back. Any advice welcome.

josip

It depends on whether the bark has been stripped all the way around or not.
In general if more than 50% of the circumference at any one point is stripped the tree is unlikely to survive.
Some people suggest grafts but it might be easier to get a replacement.
Do you have any pics you can post?
If you do try to save them, you should clean the wound

Tippjohn

Thanks, I have anti fungased and protected the trunks. Then given a good feed. My suppliers said they should be okay. Will see how it goes.
I suggested to them that at e3 for 5 protectors they should suggest them to clients.
I urge everyone to protect their trees.

Oldtree

Once the bark has been removed there is no fixing it really. You can tidy up the damaged bark somewhat, but cleaning it or covering it or painting it will be detrimental to the tree's own recovery process.

If you posted a few photos it would be easier to assess the damage.

why did you anti fungased the trees?

Tippjohn

Some are fruit trees and I was advised to use anti fungas to stop canker getting in. They are all leafing, flowering etc. so I am hopeful. If they die then thats life :-) . The damage is in vertical strip/s but not all round so hope they will manage to survive using natures survival instinct.
I can only say to people, protect the trunks of small trees. A Hare/Rabbit/rat can get in anywhere and do what comes naturaly.

SILVAMAN

try putting sphagnum moss from a bog around them and wrap in plastic-leave for a year or two