Deer damaged tree bark + termites

[kallisti5]

Hi!




So, I have two young oak trees which deer were going to town on last year rubbing. I put on some plastic protectors to try and save the trees last fall.

I inspected them today, and saw termites had taken hold under the plastic protectors on both trees. (The "worst" of it is pictured above)
On the biggest tree, one side the bark is completely worn off, the other side the bark is dark brown from damage (but still is thickish, and luckly not broken all around)

I just sprayed some neem oil + water I had laying around on the trunks to try and get rid of the termites. I'm keeping them well watered.

Anything else I can be doing? I read wrapping them is no longer recommended. The tree appears to be still growing healthy and put on about a foot of height this spring.

-- Alex

 

[farmer steve]

Alex they may heal up. Keep after the termites. I'd take the wrap off and use chickens wire to protect them from any more deer damage. Bars of Irish spring soap hung from the lower limbs have been known to deter deer. Good luck.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Yes, I've seen some white oaks recover from pretty bad damage. Keep the deer and termites away and make sure it's mulched but not up against the trunk.