[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.

[JudyKayTee]

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

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

[ma0641]

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

[WBEE]

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?

[ma0641]

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

[joypulv]

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.

[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..

[JudyKayTee]

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..

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.

[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.

[WBEE]

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.

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.

[ma0641]

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.

[WBEE]

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.

[gnahcd]

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

[WBEE]

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.