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Gridling Trees
Name: Ellen
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
I need help!!!! Rabbits gridled three of my new trees
last week. I am a first-time tree planter and I had no idea that this
would happen and the folks at the nursery hadn't told us that this was a
danger. The bark is gone. Is there any way I can save these trees? The
trees are about seven feet tall. They are a crabapple, a dogwood, and an
Eastern redbud. Is there any such thing as an artificial bark that I can
put on them? Thank you for your help. Ellen
Replies:
Dear Ellen,
"How can I save a tree that's been girdled by rabbits this winter? Can it
be saved?
That depends on several factors. How large is the tree? How much
bark is girdled away? Girdling cuts off the tree's transportation system
and could kill it. To prevent further damage from rabbits use a cage made
of hardware mesh 1/4-inch. Enclose trunk far enough from bark to allow
trunk diameter to expand as tree matures, and at least two feet higher than
expected snow line. To protect against mice and voles push mesh two inches
into the ground. (Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage, MES
FO-1411-B.) "
http://www.hort.agri.umn.edu/Mg/FAQ/trees.htm#Q20
Also after the fact, but here are some damage control and prevention
techniques:
http://www.jeffparish.net/departments/nutria2.html
Sincerely,
Anthony R. Brach
Hello Ellen,
Sorry,
There is no such thing as artificial bark. Once its gone so is your
tree. Professional nurserymen protect their stock with a flexible tube
that is placed around the trunk of young trees until they reach a good
size. Most retail nurseries sell tubes or can help find a source. Tree
wrap may also be used. Check with your supplier. Often they will
replace a tree if it does not leaf out in the spring after a fall
planting. Gobs of suppliers are on the internet.
Good Luck,
Wayne Vanderploeg
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Update: June 2012
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