Robb
ArboristSite Lurker
I planted this flowering crab last fall, shortly afterwards a buck scraped these two patches of bark off. There is a think strip about a half inch between the two areas. Together these two strips account for about 50 t0 60 percent of the diameter of the tree. I see the wounds have been healing nicely but wonder how this damage will effect the tree long term, since it's at the focal point of my front yard. It also had a bunch of crossing limbs and shoots that I pruned off this spring, but it did flower and there is currently fruit on it. There wasn't much if any new growth this spring... is that because most of the trees energy was focused on root growth, or possibly stress from the bark loss? I'm considering transplanting the tree to another area of the yard and starting over with a new tree, but would actually rather not bother if the tree's growth and aesthetics won't be compromised from the deer damage. Thanks in advance to any with advice.