Did one of your young trees or saplings recently lose some of its bark? Whether it happened because of a misguided lawn mower incident or an overly curious pet, don’t panic.
As a leading tree service in Orange County, we at Specialized Tree Care and Landscape know how to save a young tree with damaged bark. Keep reading as we dive into some tried-and-tested steps to help your specimen recover and flourish.
Rescuing Young Trees With Bark Damage: Inspect Everything
Based on our experience saving trees with damaged bark, every case has unique intricacies and challenges. As such, you should always start with a careful assessment first.
Look closely to determine the extent of the bark loss. If the damage is less than 25% of the tree’s circumference, the tree has a good chance of recovery on its own. Anything beyond 50% could require more intervention to ensure the tree’s health and survival.
Why? Bark acts as more than just a protective layer; it also plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients and water from the roots up to the leaves. Without it, the tree will struggle to hydrate and nourish itself.
Rehabilitating Trees With Bark Damage Through Bark Tracing
Do you want to know how to save a young tree with damaged bark? Trees are very resilient, and can heal themselves through compartmentalization. They form new cells to isolate the damaged area from the healthy parts and prevent the spread of infections.
You can aid this process through bark tracing. The idea involves cutting away jagged pieces of bark around the wound using a sharp, sterilized knife to create a smooth edge. Do this slowly and carefully because the last thing you want is to puncture healthy tissue.
What About Loosely Hanging Bark?
You can’t glue back fully detached bark, but anything partially connected might have a slim chance of reattaching if carefully managed. For these cases, clean the exposed part first with fresh water.
Carefully press the hanging bark so it covers the wound, then wrap duct tape around the trunk to hold it in place. It may take several months or longer for the bark to potentially reattach, so stay patient and periodically inspect it and adjust or replace the tape as needed.
Never use a sealant, tar, cement, or paint to cover the wound. These products can actually trap moisture and disease, essentially hindering the tree’s natural healing process.
Arborists Excel at Reviving Young Trees With Bark Issues
When your favorite tree’s health is on the line, why not err on the side of caution and consult an expert? At Specialized Tree Care and Landscape, we can perform:
- Bark tracing
- Bridge grafting for severe cases
- Regular health assessments to monitor the recovery
- Tailor-fit care plans tailored to your tree’s specific needs
- And more
Call (714) 649-4469 and partner with specialists who know how to save a young tree with damaged bark—or read more of our blog and learn about watering new trees.
