The bark on a Coral Bark Maple is peeling away on one side of the trunk…about 1 1/2 to 2 feet long. The tree looks healthy otherwise. Cause? Anything to do?
Trees (maples and others) are attacked by various diseases and pests, but nothing that removes sections of bark on a trunk. Damage might be from larger pests such as raccoons, deer or squirrels. In the city, squirrels often strip bark from trees for their nests. You might want to:
1. Put chicken wire or other protective barrier around the tree. The tree will heal itself as long as the entire trunk is not girdled (that is when bark is stripped all the way around the trunk so moisture and nutrients can’t flow).
2. Have an arborist look at the tree for an accurate diagnosis. To locate an arborist in your area, contact Plant Amnesty’s referral service or call their Referral Service Coordinator at 206-783-9813 and leave the following information:
Name
General Location (city or town)
Phone Numbers (work, home, cell)
Email (will get the quickest response!)