Bark loss on crabapple tree

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Denny O

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I have a crabapple tree, about 12 years old. Just recently a large patch of bark either fell off or was chewed off by quirrles or other rodents not sure of the origin of the problem. It is at a significant weight bearing part of the tree, originally I thought it may be cracked, but a close look shows no signs of a crack.

Should I paint some kind of pitch or other product on it to protect the underlying wood?

IMG_2634.JPG
 
You have some die back from an unknown (old injury, wound, etc.) This probably occurred in years past and the bark is finally falling off. Bark is probably loose back to a callus ridge where the tree is trying to close over the wound. This part of the tree is now open to decay organisms and has been since the original injury. Painting of wounds is not helpful to the plant but often makes people feel better.
 
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