How to repair damaged tree bark

The bark has an important protective function to fulfill. Damage to it poses a risk to the whole tree. Repairing the tree bark is often possible if you act quickly and correctly.

determine the cause

Every tree has self-healing powers. It can therefore usually repair minor damage to the bark without our intervention. For larger wounds, he can really use any support from his owner. First aid measures and preventive actions depend on the cause. The following are eligible:

• mechanical injuries
• Location and care errors
• strong temperature fluctuations
• game browsing

Repair mechanical injuries

There can be many causes of mechanical damage to tree bark, such as damage caused by vehicles or blunt, unsuitable cutting tools. The extent of the damage can vary, from small to life-threateningly large. If the damage is very extensive or goes deep, it is advisable to consult an arborist. You can easily repair minor damage to the tree bark yourself:

• press torn off, still usable tree bark against the trunk
• possibly. nail it in some places with aluminum nails
• Apply a pressure bandage that is permeable to air and moisture

Open wounds without bark can be closed by surface callus formation if you treat them within a few days of developing:

• Wet open areas for cleaning only with water
• otherwise dividing tissue can be destroyed
• Wrap tightly with foil that does not let light through
• fix with fabric tape
• decrease again after a growing season

A notice: Wrapping open areas with foil has proven itself only in the warm months of the year, when the trees are growing. On the other hand, from September to January, the vacancy is better left open so that it will overflow over time.

Eliminate location and care errors

Vertical cracks in the tree bark can indicate growth stress. The tree may be rooted in the wrong location or not given species-appropriate care. The soil would have to be improved with compost or clay and maintenance varied as the tree requires. You can also use plant-strengthening agents to make the tree more resistant to external influences.

Incorrect care in combination with wetness can lead to rubber flow. This must be treated, otherwise fungal diseases can spread through open areas in the tree bark.

• wounds with nettle manure disinfect
• Possibly. Combat existing fungal infestation with a suitable fungicide

Treat temperature damage

The extreme temperature difference between a very harsh winter period and a mild spring that follows often causes tree bark to burst. Trees that do not have a very pronounced winter hardiness are particularly affected. Tree bark can also get sunburned in a south-facing, sunny location. Tensions arise because one side of the trunk heats up considerably while the other is in the shade.

• disinfect wounds
• for example, of course, with stinging nettle liquid manure
• with a natural wound closure work
• alternatively apply a pressure bandage

Increase your annual winter protection from now on. A white coat of paint has also proved effective against sunburn, as this reflects solar radiation and thus greatly reduces one-sided heating.

Heal deer browsing on the tree bark

Trees that grow on unfenced areas near a forest or meadow are the main victims of game browsing. Wild animals living there, such as deer, rabbits or wild boars, also wander through nearby cultivated areas in search of food. Often only in the protective twilight, which is why game browsing is rarely observed in the act. The missing bark but can also have another cause. Therefore, pay attention to other clues such as footprints or droppings. These immediate measures will help repair the damage to the tree bark:

• disinfect affected area
• Apply pressure bandage

Prevent wildlife browsing

Fence off the area where your trees are as soon as possible, because the wild animals will definitely come back. However, the protective fence must meet certain criteria in order to be effective.

• it should be made of stable material and firmly anchored
• at least Dig 40 cm deep in the ground, with mesh size under 4 cm (because of wild rabbits)
• at least 1.5 m high (because of deer)

Alternatively, you can protect only individual endangered trees with plastic sleeves or wire pants. Repellents that smell unpleasant, crunch in the mouth or taste bitter are also suitable to prevent wild animals from eating the bark.

Tip: If you are dealing with deer browsing, the fence should be longer than 1.5 m. In general, allow for the fact that a thick, solid blanket of snow will “lift” the ground.

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