Knowledgebase
Damage to bark on apple tree. #924627
Asked February 16, 2026, 9:30 AM EST
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Ouch! this looks like it could be rabbit damage.
Young trees should be protected in the winter from deer, rabbit and rodent damage. there are a number of different wraps on the market for this purpose.
You can simply put up a barrier of chicken wire or hardware cloth around the trunk. do not wrap tightly,
If this tree has been girdled all the way around, it is unlikely to survive long term. It may leaf out in the spring but then die back slowly. If it is only part way it may recover. it also depends on how deep the gnawing is.
If you have to replace the tree, be sure to protect it for the first five years at least.I still wrap my cherry tree every winter - just in case the rabbits are hungry.
