On May 29 two young 5 year old boys took hammers to a young maple (6in diameter).
They shredded the bark four or so feet up and around the tree but left the bark on the tree.
Can anything be done?

Reply to post by Jim, on May 30, 2000 at 13:33:38:

If the bark is still intact, there is some chance that the tree can survive. The cells of the cambium, the paper-thin layer between wood and bark is crucial. Sometimes the cells may not be destroyed and can regenerate new bark. The key is keeping those cells alive.

Keep the bark on the tree. Wrap it to hold it in place using a paper tree wrap (avaiable in garden centers). Moisten the area lightly, not too wet, then wrap the whole trunk with dark plastic (trash bags will do). Tape it up to seal the moisture inside. Try to shade it it from direct sunight, so it doesn't get too hot. Leave the plastic in place until the fall- September or later.

If the tree holds some of the leaves, it might pull through. When you remove the plastic, some of the bark may fall away. If enough of the cambium survived to maintain a continuous layer, it will eventually regenerate bark.

The tree will likely have problems for several years at least. It will need extra care such as watering and mulch (3 inches deep, and NOT against the bark of the trunk.) If all the leaves drop and the twigs become brittle, you'll know it won't work.

Good luck.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on May 30, 2000 at 13:33:38:

Thanks Russ

Reply to post by JIm, on May 30, 2000 at 21:42:12:

A kousa dogwood on a client's property was completely girdled by mice. I wraped it tightly with opaque plastic and duct tape and new cambium and bark grew in. I believe it regenerated from living ray parenchema (I read this in Shigo somewhere).