Knowledgebase
Rabbit damage on apple tree #925368
Asked March 03, 2026, 3:44 PM EST
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.