Girdled Young Maple: Check for Life, Decide to Replace

Strimmer Removed Bark Full Circle = Girdling

If bark is stripped to wood all around, phloem is severed—roots starve. Scrape twigs: green under bark = alive; brown = dead. If all brown, tree is dead.

Options

• Water as if alive; wait until spring for root sprouts (hardwoods often resprout).
• Replace this fall with new tree (better for sentimental continuity).

Condolences on your wife's illness. Wishing you both strength.