I wouldn't recommend this

[Toddppm]

Not recommended to carve into a live tree I don't think but saw this the other day. Didn't think to go back and get a pic when flowering would look cool.

 

[Rudedog]

Wow. So wrong but really cool.

 

[Chainsaw Master]

If it was sealed up real well with a UV polly the tree would live....

 

[boutselis]

The way that looks to me is there was a large scar there so no bark was removed. I doubt that already weathered wood that was left after the bark was gone wouldn't be harmed by some light carving.

just my opinion though.

really cool looking at any rate

 

[twoclones]

A nice carving.
It's not all that uncommon to carve a living tree whether for art or for USGS survey marks.