When a delivery truck removes a large section of bark from a tree—like a 3-foot by 1.5-foot area—it causes a significant wound that requires careful attention. Here's how to treat it:

Clean the Edges

• Use a sharp, clean knife to trim the wound into a smooth, oval shape.
• Don’t enlarge the wound, but remove loose, torn bark to create clean edges that help the tree compartmentalize the injury.

Do NOT Cover or Paint the Wound

• Let it dry and heal naturally. Wound dressings trap moisture and can lead to decay.

Support Tree Health

• Mulch: Apply a 2–3” ring of mulch around the base (keep it 2–3” away from the trunk).
• Water: Deep water during dry spells (especially summer drought).
• Fertilize: Only if a soil test shows deficiency—don’t fertilize just because it’s injured.

Monitor

• Check periodically for:


• Signs of decay (mushrooms, oozing, foul smells).
• Insect activity (sawdust, holes).
• Cracks forming near or above the wound.

Optional: Call a Certified Arborist

• Especially if this tree has high aesthetic, functional, or sentimental value.
• They can evaluate internal damage and may recommend cabling if structural integrity is compromised.