Strange bark problem unknown tree

bmf916 · 5th July 2011, 06:07 AM

Hello, We live in Sacramento California and have a huge tree in our backyard, I don't know what kind of tree it is? we cleared some ground bushes away from our big tree, and found that the bark has been scraped from the tree in several huge areas, with no sign of any bugs. I am sure it must be some kind of beetle, but we don't see any.
I would like to identify the tree and the mystery bug, and is it a major concern to its health and how can I treat it. thanks in advance for any help with this problem.

redmower · 5th July 2011, 09:28 PM

The tree seems to have the leaves and flowers of an Albizia. We have two similar species here but they are not native to Australia so I will guess no further.

As for the bark damage - I have money on a rodent chewing it off. Maybe squirrells do this. Looks like rat teeth marks but I don't have a scale to justify my comments with.

Eric Frei · 5th July 2011, 09:32 PM

It'll be OK, they never chewed deep enough.

Brent Ferris · 7th July 2011, 03:04 PM

If it is mice, protecting the stem with a corrugated plastic sleeve, about 12-16 inches high should help. If it is an ongoing problem, setting out some ammonia in dishes around the stem will deter mice and rats. There are undoubtedly other offensive smells for other rodents,

And actually Eric, several of our trees suffer substantially from mouse/rabbit gnawing in the winter - they chew right to solid wood, sometimes girdling the stems of small trees/shrubs up to about 8 inch diameter.

So far, I agree, these stems look to be ok.

Eric Frei · 7th July 2011, 10:03 PM

That's coz it's a frozen place and the poor buggers have stuff all to eat. Interesting reading the problems in other places, rodents gnawing trees.

5th July 2011, 06:07 AM	#1
bmf916 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: sacramento ca. Posts: 1	Strange bark problem unknown tree Hello, We live in Sacramento California and have a huge tree in our backyard, I don't know what kind of tree it is? we cleared some ground bushes away from our big tree, and found that the bark has been scraped from the tree in several huge areas, with no sign of any bugs. I am sure it must be some kind of beetle, but we don't see any. I would like to identify the tree and the mystery bug, and is it a major concern to its health and how can I treat it. thanks in advance for any help with this problem. Attached Thumbnails

5th July 2011, 09:28 PM	#2
redmower Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: May 2010 Location: sub-tropical Queensland Posts: 75	Re: Strange bark problem unknown tree The tree seems to have the leaves and flowers of an Albizia. We have two similar species here but they are not native to Australia so I will guess no further. As for the bark damage - I have money on a rodent chewing it off. Maybe squirrells do this. Looks like rat teeth marks but I don't have a scale to justify my comments with.

5th July 2011, 09:32 PM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Strange bark problem unknown tree It'll be OK, they never chewed deep enough. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

7th July 2011, 03:04 PM	#4
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Strange bark problem unknown tree If it is mice, protecting the stem with a corrugated plastic sleeve, about 12-16 inches high should help. If it is an ongoing problem, setting out some ammonia in dishes around the stem will deter mice and rats. There are undoubtedly other offensive smells for other rodents, And actually Eric, several of our trees suffer substantially from mouse/rabbit gnawing in the winter - they chew right to solid wood, sometimes girdling the stems of small trees/shrubs up to about 8 inch diameter. So far, I agree, these stems look to be ok. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704 Last edited by Brent Ferris; 7th July 2011 at 03:06 PM. Reason: typo

7th July 2011, 10:03 PM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Strange bark problem unknown tree That's coz it's a frozen place and the poor buggers have stuff all to eat. Interesting reading the problems in other places, rodents gnawing trees. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Unknown, light white bark, opposite leaves	Eric Frei	Tree Identification \| ID \| Questions and Pictures	8	1st July 2011 08:54 PM
Maple Tree Bark Problem. Please Help!	bjanik	Ask an Arborist here	3	30th May 2011 10:14 AM
Strange growth on tree.	minna	Ask an Arborist here	65	15th April 2011 08:13 PM
Strange tree	ecj	Tree Identification \| ID \| Questions and Pictures	10	25th April 2010 02:56 PM
Maple tree bark/bug problem.	Squirrelnutz	Ask an Arborist here	8	11th September 2009 07:46 AM