rabbit damage to trees...prognosis?

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frank Richfield Springs, NY(Zone 4a) Apr 28, 2001

I have had quite a few apple trees (1 inch in diameter) girdled by my furry freinds. I applied a coat of pruning spray at the time of the feast, and just added another coat. Some of the trees are starting to break bud. Do you think the trees will make it? Any suggestions as to what else to do? I wrapped the trunks with a plastic protector in the fall, but the snow got very deep and the hungry, little rascals were able to reach the bark.

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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Apr 28, 2001

frank, are they completely girdled all the way around? If so then I imagine the trees will die due to the loss of their cambium layer (which is the 'pathway' where nutrients travel.) (Several yrs back I had a peach tree that was "rubbed" by a deer...it scraped the bark off one side of the tree and I was told it would die. However, it is still alive, somewhat deformed-looking, and last yr produced over 120 peaches...but this tree was not completely girdled.) Also, your trees are only one inch dia? Just a couple good bites for a rabbit isn't it? By the way, I use that black plastic drain pipe (I guess it is either 4 or 6 inches diameter) as a protector from rabbits and such ...cut a piece as long as you like, slit the side and fit it around the trunk...works great!

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