Maple tree trunk protection - Ask Extension
Stretched some drain tile around the trunk of a 12 year old maple that has some trunk split damage. It is quite snug so wondering if it will do more d...
Knowledgebase
Maple tree trunk protection #870051
Asked May 25, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
Stretched some drain tile around the trunk of a 12 year old maple that has some trunk split damage. It is quite snug so wondering if it will do more damage being so tight? Photo attached
Boone County Iowa
Expert Response
Tree protection like this should be removed each growing season after the winter months and, if needed, replaced the following fall. This is to prevent damage like girdling which tight materials can begin to do. Girdling cuts off the tissue that conducts water and nutrients in the tree essentially disconnecting the roots from the shoots which will cause big issues as the tree ages and grows larger in diameter.
During the growing season, protection like this does not serve much function.
Once the bark of the tree is no longer smooth, but more rough or furrowed, it is no longer needed. Sunscald is an issue on smooth young bark and thick furrowed bark is not typically eaten by rabbits or rodents over winter. Trees that are large enough to no longer bend when pushed against are also very unlikely to be damaged by antler-rubbing deer. This means that if the bark is no longer smooth, this protection can be removed and not replaced since the likelihood of damage from animals is really low but the risk of girdling is much higher.
At this point the most likely source of damage to the trunk of this tree is from mowing and trimming equipment. It would be beneficial for the tree to put a mulch ring around the base to keep equipment away - the tree also appreciates less root competition from the grass. The ring can be as big as you want it to be - about 12 inches out from the trunk is a good place to start - all the way out to the dripline of the tree is better.
More information about tree protection can be found in the links below.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/winter-damage-trees#sunscald
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
During the growing season, protection like this does not serve much function.
Once the bark of the tree is no longer smooth, but more rough or furrowed, it is no longer needed. Sunscald is an issue on smooth young bark and thick furrowed bark is not typically eaten by rabbits or rodents over winter. Trees that are large enough to no longer bend when pushed against are also very unlikely to be damaged by antler-rubbing deer. This means that if the bark is no longer smooth, this protection can be removed and not replaced since the likelihood of damage from animals is really low but the risk of girdling is much higher.
At this point the most likely source of damage to the trunk of this tree is from mowing and trimming equipment. It would be beneficial for the tree to put a mulch ring around the base to keep equipment away - the tree also appreciates less root competition from the grass. The ring can be as big as you want it to be - about 12 inches out from the trunk is a good place to start - all the way out to the dripline of the tree is better.
More information about tree protection can be found in the links below.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/winter-damage-trees#sunscald
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
