Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Damage to new tree, can you identify the problem?, 1 by PrairieMoon2

PrairieMoon2 wrote:
Hello,

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your willingness to help me figure this out. :-)
I can see I didn't give you enough information and I apologize. This tree is a Dogwood rutgers hybrid. We bought it late last spring after blooming time, and planted it. We watered it all through that long hot summer last year. It is located in the southwest corner of our yard, but it is north of a huge silver maple tree that is probably 50 years old. It is in shade most of the day with only 2 hours maybe of direct sun and filtered sun at some points during the rest of the day. We live in a very developed area of 1/4 acre lots and have never seen a deer nor do I expect to. We also have a fully fenced in back yard although the fence in the back is only 4ft high. We do have a number of pesky squirrels that are always doing something in the yard. Also saw my first chipmunk last year. We have skunks sometimes and maybe a mole family recently moved in. Something dug up around the base of the tree where we planted new crocus bulbs last fall. We planted them very shallow..the recommended 3 inches, and there are little indentations where they were and no bulbs.

We also have another tree, a Japanese Maple Bloodgood that is about 7 yrs old, that has similar looking damage. I am attaching a photo. We are organic growers and use no chemicals in the yard, and don't use string trimmers. We don't trim grass period. The only other info I can think of to include is that we did have our first ever infestation of winter moths in the surrounding maple trees, but this dogwood was not effected. The Japanese maple was though.

I am sure the damage was not there when I bought it, as I always inspect everything carefully. I would have noticed even the smallest nick on the bark from mishandling and would have chosen another one. Since this tree is less than a year old, is there a chance the nursery where I got it would replace it?

Thank you all very much.
:-)