Knowledgebase

Sugar pine tree problem #929284

Asked April 22, 2026, 6:17 PM EDT

We have a large sugar pine tree that has the bark stripped from the ground, up about 10 feet Can't figure out what has caused this! I will try to upload a picture and maybe you can shed some light on the problem. Thanks, Dan

Josephine County Oregon

Expert Response

In our area, porcupines and black bears are the primary animals that strip bark from large pine trees. Porcupines target the upper crown in winter (so probably not porcupines), while black bears often rip bark from the lower trunk in spring to eat the inner cambium layer. Other culprits for bark damage include squirrels. In my opinion, squirrels are the most likely culprit.


Chris Rusch Replied April 23, 2026, 10:35 PM EDT

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