bark damage

[jc_pich]

This spring rabbits completely ate the bark all the way around my Magnolia tree. I always learned this would kill the tree however, a gardener told me today that if I spread a layer of tar all the way around the bare area that the tree may live. Is this true or just wishful thinking?

 

[Deere John]

You can try grafting wax, but don't use tar. Not sure how the response will be, depending on how deep the bunny chewed.