Vicci
ArboristSite Lurker
I would appreciate any help with this situation for I am just sick about this.
Last spring we planted several decorative plum (“Thundercloud” flowering) and pear (“Cleveland” flowering) trees, about 7-9’ tall (1-1/4” dia). The trees were doing quite well until late fall when I noticed that deer had been rubbing the bark. To protect, I wrapped the trunks with brown “tree wrap” (and I also tied bars of Dial soap to the branches—it worked to repel deer) and secured the wrap with cotton string. I wasn’t going to remove the wrap, thinking that it would protect the trees, but today I did. And I couldn’t believe what was underneath.
The areas where the bark was all rubbed away is shredding On some trees worse than on others), and on a few trunks there are vertical splits down the bark for several inches and it looks as though the bark is loose underneath. Around all of the damage is a brownish bumpy growth, not very hard because I was able to dent it with my thumbnail. I am so angry with myself because I believe that keeping the paper on for so long was the reason for this. I’m afraid that on a few of the trees, the damaged area is almost half of the circumference of the trunk by about 10” long.
How can I save these trees?
Any idea what the growth is (a callus, or a fungus)?
I will do anything I can. If necessary I will spray them regularly with pesticides, fungicides, anything to keep them healthy. And fertilize them as well (I have fertilizer spikes, I just hadn’t gotten around to using them yet).
Should I use that black “tree wound repair” goop on protect the trees from further damage?
The trees all look exceptionally healthy, with glossy new growth. I’m just holding my breath.
I don’t have a digital camera, but will take photos with my 35mm and rush the developing, if anyone thinks that would help.
Oh, please help. I have several “homeowner” books on trees and shrubs and their diseases/pests, but cannot find an answer.
Thank you so much in advance.
Last spring we planted several decorative plum (“Thundercloud” flowering) and pear (“Cleveland” flowering) trees, about 7-9’ tall (1-1/4” dia). The trees were doing quite well until late fall when I noticed that deer had been rubbing the bark. To protect, I wrapped the trunks with brown “tree wrap” (and I also tied bars of Dial soap to the branches—it worked to repel deer) and secured the wrap with cotton string. I wasn’t going to remove the wrap, thinking that it would protect the trees, but today I did. And I couldn’t believe what was underneath.
The areas where the bark was all rubbed away is shredding On some trees worse than on others), and on a few trunks there are vertical splits down the bark for several inches and it looks as though the bark is loose underneath. Around all of the damage is a brownish bumpy growth, not very hard because I was able to dent it with my thumbnail. I am so angry with myself because I believe that keeping the paper on for so long was the reason for this. I’m afraid that on a few of the trees, the damaged area is almost half of the circumference of the trunk by about 10” long.
How can I save these trees?
Any idea what the growth is (a callus, or a fungus)?
I will do anything I can. If necessary I will spray them regularly with pesticides, fungicides, anything to keep them healthy. And fertilize them as well (I have fertilizer spikes, I just hadn’t gotten around to using them yet).
Should I use that black “tree wound repair” goop on protect the trees from further damage?
The trees all look exceptionally healthy, with glossy new growth. I’m just holding my breath.
I don’t have a digital camera, but will take photos with my 35mm and rush the developing, if anyone thinks that would help.
Oh, please help. I have several “homeowner” books on trees and shrubs and their diseases/pests, but cannot find an answer.
Thank you so much in advance.
