Dog-Chewed Bradford Pear: Will It Survive Partial Girdling?

Your Bradford pear lost bark on a 2–2.5 ft section of trunk, but the damage does not fully encircle the stem. This is critical: the tree will survive.

Why Partial Girdling Isn't Fatal

The vascular cambium (which transports water and nutrients) runs vertically just under the bark. As long as a continuous strip of bark connects roots to canopy, transport continues. The tree can compartmentalize the wound and eventually grow callus tissue over the exposed wood.

Immediate Care

1. Trim loose bark. Use a sharp knife to clean ragged edges back to firmly attached bark. Shape the wound vertically (pointed top/bottom) to encourage callus rolling.
2. Do NOT apply wound paint. It traps moisture and slows healing.
3. Protect from further chewing. Coat the trunk (below the wound and up to 4 ft) with a deterrent:
   • Commercial bitterant sprays (pet stores)
   • Diluted hot sauce (1:1 with water), brushed on
   • Physical barrier: hardware cloth or plastic tree guard (loose, ventilated)

Long-Term Outlook

The wound will callus over in 2–5 years depending on vigor. Fertilize lightly (10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter) and water during drought to maximize growth rate and wound closure. Monitor for signs of decay (fungal conks, soft wood) annually, but prognosis is excellent.