During the spring and summer, we are often protecting the plants most susceptible in our gardens. We add wire around our hydrangeas and rose bushes to prevent deer from chewing on new growth, buds, and fully developed segments. Similarly, we inspect our gardens for holes and burrows where rabbits, moles, and voles are seeking shelter. We tend to take preemptive measures towards protecting our smaller plants, yet often overlook preventing wintertime animal damage to trees.
Deer Damage to Trees
During the early fall, male deer are on the move to partake in the rutting season. With over a million deer inhabiting the state of Wisconsin, it is no surprise that deer are one of the most prominent threats to your trees during Fall and early Winter. Rutting season is when male deer rub their antlers against trees in a ploy to wear off their velvet and to show their dominance in the area. Thin barked trees, such as birch and linden, are more susceptible to antler rubbing damage than other trees.
If these thin-barked trees experience bark loss surrounding the entire circumference of the trunk, they likely will die. When the bark is completely stripped off a tree, the conductive tissues which transfer water and nutrients up and down the tree are cut off. If a tree experiences trunk damage, it is important to contact a local ISA Certified Arborist to assess the situation.
Many trees can recover from deer damage if the effects are not severe. However, these trees may be susceptible to other issues like decay and dieback.
How to Repair Tree Bark Damage From Deer?
To address tree bark damage caused by animals like deer, prompt action greatly aids in a quick recovery. If possible within the first couple hours after the damage occurs, reattach the displaced bark onto the tree by binding it in place to promote reattachment. The binding should be removed once the bark has reattached/regrown onto the wood to prevent damage from the binding material as the tree grows. For more extensive bark damage, it is recommended to contact a professional arborist to assess the situation to provide the best advice for helping your tree grow past the damaged area.
Rabbits, Squirrels, Moles, and Voles Damage on Trees
While deer antler rubbing damage typically occurs on the trunk from 2 to 4 feet off the ground, the bark of the trunk within a few feet from the ground can be affected by smaller animals like voles. This kind of damage often goes unnoticed due to most of it occurring under the protection of snow or the cover of shrubs. Voles chewing on bark typically cuts off the nutrient flow of the tree which often causes a slow decline in health. Rabbit damage is often more noticeable as they chew on bark above the snow leaving visible damage.
Prevent Animal Damage to Trees with Wachtel Tree Science’s Expertise
We, at Wachtel Tree Science, have means of protecting your trees all winter long. If you are concerned about your trees’ protection from animals during the fall and winter, reach out to our team of ISA Certified Arborists. Our arborists will find a way to fend off these animals from your trees. Contact us at Wachtel Tree Science to ensure the defense of your tree until, what seems to be a far away, spring comes.
