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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What's wrong with my plant? > Deciduous Trees > Hickory > Bark chewed or removed

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Hickory > Trunk/Branches > Bark chewed or removed

1 of 3
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 1
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 2
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 3

Deer feeding/antler rubbing

  • Long lines of shredded or peeled off bark along main trunk up to 3 feet off the ground from antler rubbing
  • Feeding occurs from the ground up to 6 feet or slightly higher. Ragged edges, same as above, also if the bark is removed by a deer there will be no teeth marks
  • Wood may appear shiny or "polished"
  • Leaves and small branches (>1 inch diameter) cut off with a rough or ragged edge (Not a clean cut!)
  • Damage is common only on young trees, old trees have thick bark and wide stem so are not used by deer for antler rubbing
  • More information on Problems with deer
2 of 3
  • Rabbit feeding 1
  • Rabbit feeding 2

Rabbit feeding

  • Bark is completely removed from the main trunk, only young trees are damaged
  • Regular scraping the size of a spoon tip can be seen in the wood
  • Damage can occur from ground level to several feet up the trunk depending on the depth of winter snow
  • Small twigs are cleanly cut off with a sharp edge, at a 45 degree angle
  • Majority of bark feeding occurs in winter and early spring
  • Rabbit droppings (small, round pellets) are often found near the damaged shrubs
  • More information on protecting trees and shrubs from animals
3 of 3
  • Vole feeding 1
  • Vole feeding 2
  • Vole feeding 3

Vole feeding
Microtus spp. and Phenacomys spp.

  • On young trees, bark is completely removed from the main trunk in irregular patches
  • Scraping the size of fork tines can be seen in exposed wood
  • Damage occurs during winter from the ground level up to winter snow depth
  • Trees and shrubs appear to "die suddenly" during the growing season, especially if they experience any drought stress

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