I just found that two of my maples that has no sign of life yet are chewed at the base. this is Shaina. All bark lost and probably will not survive Rainbow, lost 50% and is in danger Do we know what chews the bark? Squirrels? Any recommendations to save this two trees and avoid future damage will be super appreciated! thanks very much!
Sorry, if the chewed part goes all the way around (ringing the tree), these are dead. They don't look good. As for what, squirrels, sure. But also mice, voles, rats. Even rabbits. You're in SF I recall? So mice or squirrels would seem likely candidates. I hate when this happens. They do like to attack when the sap is rising.
Immediately ordered another rainbow as it is a must have. I am wondering if wrapping the trunk by taps or mesh can protect other trees
I expect that the roots will live at least to the end of this season. Hence, the critters (probably a rodent of some kind, IMHO) have started air-layers for you. I suggest that you consider cleaning up the top of the chewed girdle and enclose it in damp sphagnum moss covered with some poly film and see if they will root before you discard them. I've had some similar troubles, but they didn't occur until later in the season. I collected a (surprising to me) number of rats and ameliorated the recurring damage my trees were suffering that year. Since then, they've moved on for some unknown reason. Similar actions might help in your case too. I dunno.
For sure, rats can do a lot of damage quickly. Glad they moved on! Trying to air layer is a good idea. I've found that a loose burlap wrap can help, but it does hold the moisture in, and not 100% is a mouse gets up inside it. You could try taking one of those sleeves they sell for rabbit protection on new plantings, cutting and tieing so it's relatively tight. That would help for squirrels. But really anything you do will be dissuasive, not 100%.
Thanks for your experience! Airlayering the rainbow, Shaina and ukigumo (yes this poor little tree is also chewed completely) I never successfully did air layer In the past(the branches lost leaves and died after operation) and this time is more difficult I guess, because they do not have any leaves.. anyway better than just throw away
There are, indeed, lots of things that can go wrong. When the ring of bark is removed, there is some damage to the exposed wood which provokes a CODIT (compartmentalization of damage in trees) reaction that clogs the xylem in a few of the outer growth rings. With thin stems, this can amount to the whole thickness of the stem and produce the result you've seen and could happen again (i.e., no reflection on you or your capabilities).
Are we expected to damage the exposed wood? I have seen in all youtube video they use a knife to scratch the wood (after peeling the skin) to clean it up So maybe air layer on thick and older branch may be better than young stems?
Nice Shigo reference! I wish he got more credit and attention. Does he talk about air layering anywhere? Can't recall seeing it. -E
