Bark treatment

All,

My rabbit decided out of knowhere that yesterday he wanted to strip an apple tree I have of some bark.

I know this can be quite serious so wanted some advice on treatments.

One side hes had a go at.. the other was fine.

Ive protected the tree for now but will need to lool at a better protection this week.

 

I'd be inclined to leave it and allow it to dry out.
The tree will heal it over in a few years.

You can get paint for sealing pruning cuts but its debateable if they are good or bad.

Perhaps you could get some of those plastic tree guards for protection in the future

 

Hi chris
. If the damage is less than 25 percent of the circumference of the tree, the wound will heal itself. Remove any loose bark or wood from around the wound. Leave the wound exposed to the air and let nature take its course. Do not cut around the wound, because it only makes the wound worse.
. Corrective pruning, regular watering and fertilization can help keep the tree healthy until it recovers. Do not apply wound dressings, pruning paints or use other protective devices -- they actually increase decay rather than protecting the tree. If the damage extends all the way around the tree, then the tree needs to be replaced

 

Hi.. thanks for the reply.

Hes managed to nibble id say the front half.. but as in the pics there is a fair bit left.

I guess its just a case of seeing what happens.. could scream as its such a lovely tree.

Lets hope nature sorts it.