How to restore tree bark damaged by rodents: an effective technique from experienced gardeners
In winter and early spring, rodents can visit the garden and damage fruit trees in search of food.
Animals gnaw the bark in a circle at a height of about 10-20 cm. In some cases, the situation requires the gardener's intervention, otherwise the tree may die.
If hares, mice or other animals have “ringed” the trunk, then bridge grafting will help save the tree.
If the area of damage is large, then it is imperative to take action, otherwise the tree will dry out and die.
How to save a tree
1. First, carefully trim the edges of the damaged bark. Healthy and well-developed young shoots, one-year growth, and last year's growth are cut from this tree.
2. Next, make a small cut in the bark from below, at the base of the damaged area, and also from above, slightly above it.
A "bridge" is made from a one-year-old branch: a cutting is cut slightly longer than the distance between healthy areas of the bark. The edges of the cutting are sharpened with one movement, one cut, and then inserted into the cuts in the bark at the top and bottom, and pressed.
3. Several such "bridges" are made. They will become the conductors of nutrition and water to the forming leaves. The tree will gradually recover and grow bark.
4. When the grafts are done, the edges are wrapped well, and the damaged part of the trunk is lubricated with garden balsam in order to eliminate the risk of infection.
If you do not delay grafting, you can save the tree, including a young one. Delay is especially dangerous if the area of damage is large. If you do not hesitate and perform a bridge graft, there is a high probability that the tree will recover, grow bark, and the consequences will be minimal.
Subsequently, the plant needs to be fed, do not forget about watering. In addition, in the long term, it is worth thinking about how to protect the tree from a repeat of the story with rodents.
