My Mulberry tree has suddenly lost it's leaves, I examined and discovered a 4 inch bark removal around the trunk at the ground.

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Originally Posted by WBEE

My Mulberry tree has suddenly lost it's leaves, I examined and discovered a 4 inch bark removal around the trunk at the ground.

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If the question is "why" I would suggest it's been girdled by an animal, possibly a rabbit.

If you are near water, don't discount a beaver. They are a real problem on the lakes and streams in GA.

Thank you... I believe you may be correct.. the rabbits are very thick this year. However, I think this will kill the tree.. am I correct, or is there something I can do?

Once a tree is completely girdled there is nothing to do.

Try wrapping it in saran wrap and duct foil wrap (the super shiny stuff, not duct tape) then Gorilla tape. I'm not claiming success, just desperation to try anything.

Thanks MA0641, I figured that the tree was a goner.

Yea Joy I was going to try something,, that might be a good idea.. it sure can't hurt..

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Originally Posted by WBEE

Thanks MA0641, I figured that the tree was a goner.

Yea Joy I was going to try something,,, that might be a good idea.. it sure can't hurt..

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It can hurt if it seals in insect eggs - if the "feeder" layer has been damaged nothing is going to save a tree.

There is a "paint" that arborists use to seal the tree when it's girdled - but I very much doubt there's a chance if it's girdled all the way around.

At our mountain house in GA, we live on a river and are constantly fighting beaver. A tree can usually survive with 3/4 of the cambium layer gone. Over that, it is impossible for the tree to sustain itself. It will slowly die. However, on a positive note I'll gladly send you some mulberry seedlings, I've got plenty.

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Originally Posted by ma0641

At our mountain house in GA, we live on a river and are constantly fighting beaver. A tree can usually survive with 3/4 of the cambium layer gone. Over that, it is impossible for the tree to sustain itself. It will slowly die. However, on a positive note I'll gladly send you some mulberry seedlings, I've got plenty.

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Thank you... I am going to remove the existing tree.. Sorry to see it go.. it has bark removed all the way around about 4" to 6" high... I think it is Rabbits.. I believe I can get a yearling that won't cost too much. What would seedlings cost to send to me in California? This time I will put some wire around to protect it.

CA is very strict on what agricultural products, particularly fruit trees, can be imported. Mulberry trees are easy to seed and grow and you should find it easy to get one there.

CA is very strict on everything... I tend to like the Mulberry tree.. it grows rather quick and has a large canopy for nice shade..

I wish I have noticed the damage to the bark on the trunk sooner I might have had a better chance to save the tree.. It happened during a heat wave so the damage became extensive very quick.

Mulberry trees are specifically regulated in California to prevent the spread of Pierce's disease. Purchase your mulberry tree locally rather than having it mailed to you. A locally purchased tree will have been grown locally, or will have been imported properly, by the nursery.

A vertebrate pest like the meadow mouse is a potential suspect when a tree is girdled at the crown. Beavers are found primarily close to a perennial stream. Rabbits and rats also like to chew on bark.

UCIPM Meadow Mouse Biology & Control

I will deal with the local growers for my Trees.. the trees that are grown here are adapted to this environment... I want to thank all the people that made my quest solving the mystery as to what was wrong with my tree... I got up at 3:am and discovered many, many, many rabbits having a party in the vicinity of the trees. I will be putting wire around the base of all my trees.