[greenhead]

Hi,  have a young apple tree - King Charles Pearmain which has 'nibbling' evidence at the lower stem,  Judging from the colour it would appear to be recent damage.  Whatever creature is doing this has a liking to apple trees as another young tree close by has likewise been attacked.  My partner's nature log pile is also close by!  A clue perhaps?

Can anybody identify the culprit and suggest a treatment to the wound and future protection?


Mike.

[New shoot]

Rabbits most likely.  Deer and squirrels can chew as well, but that looks like rabbit bites.  You will need tree guards around the trunks to stop it.

The wounds should just heal if left alone.

[AlaninCarlisle]

Definitely rabbits. Plastic tree guards from most nurseries are cheap as chips and will solve the problem for you

[greenhead]

Thank you Alan and New shoot,

I have never seen a rabbit on our allotment site but will fit a tree guard.


Mike