Is it Possible to “Save” a Young Empire Apple Tree Whose Bark Was Mostly Rubbed Off?

The question of whether you can save a young apple tree after it has been damaged by deer rubbing is a common one. This article covers the steps and techniques used to repair such damage, whether it is girdled or partially damaged. The focus is on the use of grafting and other methods to rehabilitate the tree.

Understanding the Severity of the Damage

The first step is to assess the damage. If the bark was mostly rubbed off at a height of about 36 inches above the ground by a deer, the tree may still be salvageable. However, if there is a complete girdling of the bark down to the wood in a complete ring, healing is much more difficult. If the damage is just to the outer bark, the tree is likely to recover naturally. In this case, protective measures are essential to prevent further damage from sun exposure and drying out.

Bridge Grafting Techniques

For a partially girdled tree, bridge grafting is a viable solution. This involves attaching a small piece of healthy bark (called a scion) from a healthy apple branch to the damaged area. The scion should come from the same genus to ensure compatibility. If the bridge grafting is successful, it can help the tree recover from the damage.

Steps to perform a bridge graft include:

Identify a healthy section of bark onto which you can attach the scion. Prepare the scion by cutting a small piece of bark that can fit snugly onto the damaged area. Attach the scion using a strip of stretchy material (such as frozen vegetable bags or rubber bands) to hold it in place. Protection is crucial. Cover the graft with aluminum foil or cling wrap to protect it from the sun and promote healing. Do the bridge grafting as soon as possible, preferably in spring when the tree is actively growing.

Professional Help and Alternatives

If you are unsure about performing the grafting yourself, professional help might be necessary. An arborist or bonsai maker could assist with the grafting process. If you cannot find professional help, you can still attempt the grafting yourself by following detailed instructions available online.

For a fully girdled tree, where the damage is all the way around the tree down to the wood, the situation is more critical. The cambium layer, which is the inner living bark layer responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars, is damaged. In this case, the tree will need to be salvaged by either grafting or replacing the tree.

Preventive Measures

To prevent such damage in the future, protective measures can be taken. These include:

Wrapping the tree trunk with tree wrap or burlap to protect it from deer. Using deer repellents to keep deer away from the tree. Planting the tree in a location less accessible to deer.

Conclusion: While the damage to the bark of your young apple tree is worrisome, there are steps you can take to save it. Bridge grafting, protective measures, and professional help are all available options.