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Tree damage #948284

Asked November 09, 2026, 4:19 PM EST

Hello, would you please take a look at the photo to see the damage. I bought this maple tree from a nursery last fall and just noticed what I think is fairly recent damage. I wonder if it could be deer as deer is a problem in my yard. Would you recommend that I wrap the main trunk to protect it? I a, not sure what to do. Thank you.

Iosco County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello and thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Yes this looks like deer damage due to the deer rubbing their antlers on your maple tree trunk. If the damage doesn’t go all the way around the trunk, it will heal itself. Yes, wrapping the trunk with plastic or paper tree wraps will help. Be sure to occasionally replace wraps to avoid moisture build up or insect infestation. Deer usually only rub the trunk in late summer or early fall when they are getting rid of the felt on their antlers so keeping your trunk wrapped during that time period only is best. Young trees can also be protected with wire fence cages or deer fence that are supported with stakes. You should not paint the wound with any paint or wound healer.

Here are a couple links to articles about deer rubs.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/uploads/files/DeterDeer_AA%20(1).pdf

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/brancheschewed.html

Thank you for your question! Replied November 09, 2026, 8:21 PM EST

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