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Rabbit damage on apple tree #925368

Asked March 03, 2026, 3:44 PM EST

The chicken wire around my small honeycrisp apple tree was breached by bunnies and they ate the bark all the way around the tree. Is there anyway I can save this tree?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Karen,

If the bark is stripped all the way around the trunk your tree will eventually die. Sometimes trees have enough nutrients stored that they will leaf out in the spring, but wilt and die shortly after.

You're best off removing the tree and planting a new one. Sorry for the bad news.

MJ Replied March 05, 2026, 4:22 PM EST

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