While healthy and mature trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, damaged bark on trees can easily make any tree prone to becoming sick. Bark damage can range from physical damage such as holes or jagged wounds to symptoms of diseases such as discoloration and decay.
If you have damaged bark on a tree on your property, it can be tempting to simply call a tree removal service and have the whole tree removed. However, you might be able to save the tree and nurse it back to health with help from the right tree service experts! Get the best tree service in Smyrna from Southern Tree Pros to learn how to treat your damaged trees.
Can Trees with Damaged Bark Be Saved?
Yes, trees with damaged bark can be saved depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage covers less than 25% of the total tree bark, the tree can recover on its own, provided that it is healthy and given the right care.
Tree health experts should assess any damage greater than 25% of the total bark. A certified arborist can determine the cause of the damage and how to treat the tree. If there is damaged bark on trees covering 25-50% of the tree caused by external stressors (i.e., extreme weather or natural disasters), it can be possible to remove the damaged portion, place wound dressings, and save the tree.
However, if the damage is from pests or diseases, a tree expert might further examine the tree for internal damage. If the tree has a compromised vascular system, the tree might not survive even if you remove the damaged bark.
Repairing Damaged Tree Bark
Once a certified arborist has determined that they can save your tree, there are two ways to treat damaged bark.
Reattaching Loose Bark
If the bark removed from the tree is healthy and intact, you can reattach it to the point where it fell off. Place the bark back on the exposed area, taking care to return it to the original position and orientation and avoid further bark damage.
Secure the bark. You can use twine, plastic wrap, or even duct tape, as long as the bark stays firmly in place. Allow the bark to reattach to the tree naturally over three to four months. This method will only work if the site is clean, the bark is still intact, and you perform this method immediately after the bark falls off.
Bark Tracing
If the damaged bark on a tree is too small to be reattached, bark tracing is the best method. Bark tracing requires the removal of any jagged edges of the wound so that the bark can heal cleanly. It is best to leave this job to a professional to do the bark tracing correctly.
An experienced arborist will use a sharp chisel and hammer to make a clean cut around the wound and remove all the jagged edges. It is important not to damage the interior wood, so a light and practiced touch is essential.
Think of bark tracing as similar to a wound on the skin. A doctor will need to remove jagged edges to properly clean a wound site so that new skin can grow properly. The expert team at Southern Tree Pros will approach bark tracing with the same skill, precision, and care.
Give Your Trees a New Lease on Life
Damaged bark on a tree will not necessarily need tree removal. Sometimes, all you need is a professional tree care service that will do everything to help restore your trees back to health. Call Southern Tree Pros at 770-841-1684 to learn more about their tree maintenance services.
