U of M Gardening Information: What's wrong with my plant?

Hickory > Trunk/Branches > Bark chewed or removed

1 of 3

Long lines of shredded or peeled off bark along main trunk up to 3 feet off the ground from antler rubbing
Feeding occurs from the ground up to 6 feet or slightly higher. Ragged edges, same as above, also if the bark is removed by a deer there will be no teeth marks
Wood may appear shiny or "polished"
Leaves and small branches (>1 inch diameter) cut off with a rough or ragged edge (Not a clean cut!)
Damage is common only on young trees, old trees have thick bark and wide stem so are not used by deer for antler rubbing
More information on Deer feeding/antler rubbing...

2 of 3

Bark is completely removed from the main trunk, only young trees are damaged
Regular scraping the size of a spoon tip can be seen in the wood
Damage can occur from ground level to several feet up the trunk depending on the depth of winter snow
Small twigs are cleanly cut off with a sharp edge, at a 45 degree angle
Majority of damage occurs in winter and early spring
Rabbit droppings (small, round pellets) often found near damaged tree
More information on Rabbit feeding...

3 of 3

Credit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Archive, Minnesota Department of Natural Resource, Bugwood.org
Credit: USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area Archive, Bugwood.org
Credit: USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area Archive, Bugwood.org
- CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

On young trees, bark is completely removed from the main trunk in irregular patches
Scraping the size of fork tines can be seen in exposed wood
Damage occurs during winter from the ground level up to winter snow depth
Trees and shrubs appear to "die suddenly" during the growing season, especially if they experience any drought stress
More information on Vole feeding...