Rabbit Bark Damage on Young Pear Tree: Treatment and Prevention

Assessing the Damage

Rabbits chewed bark 3 inches high around the trunk but did not reach the wood (xylem). Since the cambium (inner bark) is partially intact, the tree can survive if protected.

Immediate Treatment

• Trim any loose, ragged bark edges cleanly with a sharp knife.
• Apply grafting wax (available at nurseries) to seal the wound, retain moisture, and deter borers.
• Do not use paint, tar, or wound dressings—they trap moisture and promote decay.

Prevention (Critical)

1. Install 24–36 inch hardware cloth or chicken wire cylinder around the trunk.
2. Bury bottom 2–3 inches or pin with staples to prevent burrowing.
3. Alternatively, use white spiral tree guards.
4. Install by early November; check after snowfalls.

Additional Measures

• Remove brush piles and debris where rabbits hide.
• Use taste/scent repellents (reapply after rain).
• Live-trap to reduce local population.

Outlook

With protection, the wound will callus over in 1–2 seasons. Monitor for borer activity (sawdust, sap) and treat with permethrin if needed.