Thanks for the question.

If the tree is girdled for 50% or more of the tree’s circumference, the tree probably will not survive. At this point this is really no remedial action that you can take. Now what you might see in the next month or so may be leaf buds and even small leaves appearing. While initially this may be encouraging, this leaf growth represents food sources that were produced in the tree in 2021 and have been subsequently stored within the tree. As 2022 progresses in the absence of sustainable energy, these leaves will brown and drop from the tree. At this point (late March 2022) you should consider replacing the tree. If you go this route be sure to wrap some chicken wire and/or hardware cloth around the base of the tree to ward any future rabbit consumption. Sometimes a procedure called “bridge grafting” can be attempted to save the tree.  However this process is not often successful and in the long run may entail more work and effort than simply replacing the tree. See the following:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/rabbit-damage-to-trees.htm - :~:text=When rabbits eating bark off,remove and replace the tree.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bridge_grafting_as_a_life_saving_procedure_for_trees

https://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2007/090807.html

Good luck and thanks for using our forum.

On 03/25/2022 2:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Thanks for the response.

At one time many years back, it was thought that applying some type of sealant (e.g., tar) to bark wounds would promote regrowth of the bark.  That is no longer a recommended process.

Good Luck!