Young tree injured -- please help

roark1138 · 1st November 2009, 03:49 AM

I have a purple ash tree that we had planted in our yard about 4 years ago. It seems well established. It's approximately 15 foot tall.

I came out this morning and found the trunk basically mauled 2'-4' off the ground. I've never seen this before. I presume it was a deer?

Anyway, now I'm very concerned about the tree. I know the bark and outer layers of the tree is basically its life. I would say in a couple of spots that the bark is either completely rubbed off or deeply gouged around 50% of the diameter of tree.

Please see photos. Any help is appreciated. Please reassure me! This is a special tree because we planted it when our son was born a few years ago.

Eric Frei · 2nd November 2009, 01:37 PM

About all that is going to help is good TLC.

You may want to consider some tree guard.

Good tree guard doesn't contact the tree, allows light and air to freely pass through. The wire jobs are great but be careful if pegging or staking them into the ground.

The Tree Whisperer · 5th November 2009, 10:45 AM

Dont worry too much! it probably looks worse than it really is. use a clean sharp chisel and clean the wound abck to undmaged wood (take all the flaky chunky bits) create a smoth edge. make sure you fertilise and water the tree well, and DO NOT paint the wound with any dressings or tar NO MATTER WHAT YOUR NURSERY GUY SAYS OR THE LABEL TELLS YOU, within a few months you will notice new callus tissue (healing- yes for all you super arborists I wrote this for the lay man, i know trees dont heal, as healing is repair of old tissue, and trees grow new tissue), that is a good sign within a few seasons you wont even know it was dmaged. And yes a tree guard sleeve if you have trouble with deer is a BRILLIANT suggestion.

The Tree Whisperer · 5th November 2009, 10:46 AM

oh and if you dont want to put tree guard on, and you have deer get a gun!!!

Victor Lindsay · 6th November 2009, 08:39 AM

put up a salt lick, then wait.

I can not help you, your question has been answered already.

1st November 2009, 03:49 AM	#1
roark1138 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: StL, MO Posts: 1	Young tree injured -- please help I have a purple ash tree that we had planted in our yard about 4 years ago. It seems well established. It's approximately 15 foot tall. I came out this morning and found the trunk basically mauled 2'-4' off the ground. I've never seen this before. I presume it was a deer? Anyway, now I'm very concerned about the tree. I know the bark and outer layers of the tree is basically its life. I would say in a couple of spots that the bark is either completely rubbed off or deeply gouged around 50% of the diameter of tree. Please see photos. Any help is appreciated. Please reassure me! This is a special tree because we planted it when our son was born a few years ago. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Jeff Darby; 1st November 2009 at 07:31 AM.

2nd November 2009, 01:37 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Young tree injured -- please help About all that is going to help is good TLC. You may want to consider some tree guard. Good tree guard doesn't contact the tree, allows light and air to freely pass through. The wire jobs are great but be careful if pegging or staking them into the ground. __________________ 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

5th November 2009, 10:45 AM	#3
The Tree Whisperer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Northern Rivers NSW Posts: 39	Re: Young tree injured -- please help Dont worry too much! it probably looks worse than it really is. use a clean sharp chisel and clean the wound abck to undmaged wood (take all the flaky chunky bits) create a smoth edge. make sure you fertilise and water the tree well, and DO NOT paint the wound with any dressings or tar NO MATTER WHAT YOUR NURSERY GUY SAYS OR THE LABEL TELLS YOU, within a few months you will notice new callus tissue (healing- yes for all you super arborists I wrote this for the lay man, i know trees dont heal, as healing is repair of old tissue, and trees grow new tissue), that is a good sign within a few seasons you wont even know it was dmaged. And yes a tree guard sleeve if you have trouble with deer is a BRILLIANT suggestion.

5th November 2009, 10:46 AM	#4
The Tree Whisperer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Northern Rivers NSW Posts: 39	Re: Young tree injured -- please help oh and if you dont want to put tree guard on, and you have deer get a gun!!!

6th November 2009, 08:39 AM	#5
Victor Lindsay Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ? Posts: 441	Re: Young tree injured -- please help put up a salt lick, then wait. I can not help you, your question has been answered already.

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
Tree on train track causes derailment\| 3 injured	Eric Frei	Tree Industry injuries, accidents and fatalities	5	16th September 2009 10:27 PM
Young tree without top	puppychew	Ask an Arborist here	2	29th May 2009 04:03 AM
Brian Coates\| Pikes Peak Tree Trimming & Removal critically injured	Eric Frei	Tree Industry injuries, accidents and fatalities	4	22nd May 2009 06:56 AM
Tree lopper injured - Perth - generator thrown at him	Eric Frei	General Tree Chat	7	30th March 2009 05:34 PM
Problem developing on young apple tree.	clementine	Ask an Arborist here	7	1st February 2009 01:54 AM