Question
QUESTION: i have several trees that the squirrels have stripped the bark. they have done this to several different kind of trees on our property. i noticed that a newly planted tree has been stripped. is there a treatment to save the tree?  i have been told to tape it, but i don't know what kind of tape.  

we live in monmouth, oregon.  any help or suggestion would be great.

thanks,
suzette

ANSWER: There are repellent that can be used to discourage squirrel damage.
Ro-pel is a taste repellent that can be applied to seeds, bulbs, and flowers; trees and shrubs; poles and fences; siding and outdoor furniture. Capsaicin is also a taste repellent, registered for use on maple sap collecting equipment. Here is a web link to information on Ropel. http://www.nixalite.com/ropel.aspx

Here is another site that lists other repellents. http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/wildlife/repellents.htm

Check with your local nursery for this product.  

There are tree wrap tape that might but usually screen wire wrap will work better. Just make sure it is removed as the tree grows.

My hunting pals say squirrel stew works well too (;

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i can't bring myself to make stew, but the neighbor up the hill has been making stew, so now we have an abundance of squirrels (i counted 12 the other day#.

what type of screen/tape do i get #and where) , and does it treat the wound or just prevent future damage?  we've lost several trees already.

is the repellent safe for kids/pets?

thanks again,
suzette

Answer
You should be able to get the tree tape (Wrap) from a garden/ nursery type store.  Amazon also has it on the web.
http://www.amazon.com/Walter-Clark-4-Inch-150-Foot-00304/dp/B000AYE1DI/ref=pd_si

The screen wire can be found at a hardwood store or Home Depot.

Yes the repellent is safe you can make a home made repellent here is how.  http://www.ehow.com/how_6109824_homemade-squirrel-repellent-trees.html

The wound if not all the way around the tree trunk can be treated with grafting wax or I would not put anything on it but use the tree wrap and this will hold the moisture and also help keep out insects.Do not put wound dressing on the wounds this will slow down the healing process. If the would is not all the way around the trunk young trees will recover fairly fast--a couple of years or so. I would expect that the foliage on the side maybe effected but if you still have more than 1/2 of the circumstance of the trunk with bark there should be enough cambium cells to carry water and nutrients from the roots to the foliage. I would water the young trees if it does not rain for a few days just do not over water--check the soil around the tree and if dry then water.

The population of squirrels needs to be reduced--they are having a hard time finding enough food for the population and if they are feeding on the bark now winter months where food fro them is less the bark feeding may increase. Trapping could be the answer --maybe your neighbor would do that.  http://www.amazon.com/Havahart-1025-Two-Door-5-Inch-Squirrels/dp/B000BQQMJQ

Good Luck