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Squirrel Damage to Maple: Girdling Threatens Survival

Q: Maple bark shredded off in 8 hours. Cause and remedy?

A: Squirrels—young ones seeking sweet sap. Tree may not survive if girdled. Trim loose bark with razor knife, spray wound with garden insecticide occasionally. Don't apply tar. Consider planting replacement now (water through summer) or wait for fall.

About Gardening: Japanese Maple Borer Infestation: Emergency Spinosad/Neem Treatment; Red Maple Bark Decay and Borers: Emergency Intervention; Weed Whacker Damage to Japanese Maple: Grafting Wax and Borer Protection; Carpenter Ants in Red Maple: Symptom, Not Cause of Decline; Car Impact on Maple: Bark Stripping Repair and Borer Prevention; Dog Rope Girdled Young Maple: Assess Cambium, Prevent Borers; Squirrels Stripping Maple Twigs: Will the Tree Survive?; Squirrel Damage to Maple Roots: Hot Pepper Wax Deterrent; Heat-Stressed Japanese Maple: Patience & Shade May Save It; Stop Squirrels from Stripping Bark on Japanese Maples

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