A 86 years old maple tree in our backyard property was being cut 2 inches deep around the circumstances of the tree trunk. We don’t know the person’s motive, how can we save the tree? How to repair it?
Oh dear, I’m sorry to see that your poor tree has been damaged.
This appears to be mechanical damage to the tree.
Bark damage could be due to a number of reasons, including pests. The prognosis for the tree is going to depend on whether the tree bark is removed the entire way around (called “girdling”) and how deep the cut is to the tree. Girdling results in the death of the tree above the girdle over time. The area in which the tree is damaged is weakened and makes the tree susceptible to disease. If the phloem layer (under the bark) is damaged, this impacts the ability of the tree to carry the energy produced in the leaves (through photosynthesis) to the roots of the tree.
I would suggest you consult a certified arborist for a diagnosis and prognosis. Depending on the extent of the damage, an arborist may be able to do repair grafting to the tree to increase its chance of survival. To find a certified arborist in Ontario you can use the search tool on the Landscape Ontario website.
Aug.20,2022