My son has just phoned me concerned that a tree in a public space
outside his flat in London has been vandalised. The bark has been
stripped from just above the ground to about five feet up. The trunk is
about 8" in diameter and the tree is about ten feet tall. He's not sure
of the species but is going to try to identify it tonight.

He was asking me whether this definitely means the death of the tree. I
know that with younger trees complete ringing is supposed to be fatal
but wasn't completely sure whether it's so with older trees. I also
found I wasn't sure exactly why removal of the bark is so harmful to the
tree or whether anything can be done to save it.

Any information or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Janet G

"Janet Galpin" wrote in message
...
My son has just phoned me concerned that a tree in a public space
outside his flat in London has been vandalised. The bark has been
stripped from just above the ground to about five feet up. The trunk is
about 8" in diameter and the tree is about ten feet tall. He's not sure
of the species but is going to try to identify it tonight.

He was asking me whether this definitely means the death of the tree. I
know that with younger trees complete ringing is supposed to be fatal
but wasn't completely sure whether it's so with older trees. I also
found I wasn't sure exactly why removal of the bark is so harmful to the
tree or whether anything can be done to save it.

Any information or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Janet G


It usually does, depending on the depth of the wound.

The reason is that the phloem is immediately under the bark, and the food
from the leaves can't reach the roots, so the roots die and stop
transferring water up to the top of the tree.

John

John E wrote:
"Janet Galpin" wrote in message
...
My son has just phoned me concerned that a tree in a public space
outside his flat in London has been vandalised. The bark has been
stripped from just above the ground to about five feet up. The trunk is
about 8" in diameter and the tree is about ten feet tall. He's not sure
of the species but is going to try to identify it tonight.

He was asking me whether this definitely means the death of the tree. I
know that with younger trees complete ringing is supposed to be fatal
but wasn't completely sure whether it's so with older trees. I also
found I wasn't sure exactly why removal of the bark is so harmful to the
tree or whether anything can be done to save it.

Any information or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Janet G


It usually does, depending on the depth of the wound.

The reason is that the phloem is immediately under the bark, and the
food from the leaves can't reach the roots, so the roots die and stop
transferring water up to the top of the tree.

John
I suggest that he contact the council concerned, they will have tree
experts, and if it is possible to be saved then they will do so, or
maybe replant. Sad to say it is often used way of getting rid of them by
people who live near and don't want the tree there. :-(

"Broadback" wrote in message
...
John E wrote:
"Janet Galpin" wrote in message
...
My son has just phoned me concerned that a tree in a public space
outside his flat in London has been vandalised. The bark has been
stripped from just above the ground to about five feet up. The trunk is
about 8" in diameter and the tree is about ten feet tall. He's not sure
of the species but is going to try to identify it tonight.

He was asking me whether this definitely means the death of the tree. I
know that with younger trees complete ringing is supposed to be fatal
but wasn't completely sure whether it's so with older trees. I also
found I wasn't sure exactly why removal of the bark is so harmful to the
tree or whether anything can be done to save it.

Any information or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Janet G


It usually does, depending on the depth of the wound.

The reason is that the phloem is immediately under the bark, and the food
from the leaves can't reach the roots, so the roots die and stop
transferring water up to the top of the tree.

John
I suggest that he contact the council concerned, they will have tree
experts, and if it is possible to be saved then they will do so, or maybe
replant. Sad to say it is often used way of getting rid of them by people
who live near and don't want the tree there. :-(


Good point. Thanks.

John.

"John E" wrote in message
...
"Broadback" wrote in message
...
John E wrote:
"Janet Galpin" wrote in message
...
My son has just phoned me concerned that a tree in a public space
outside his flat in London has been vandalised. The bark has been
stripped from just above the ground to about five feet up. The trunk is
about 8" in diameter and the tree is about ten feet tall. He's not sure
of the species but is going to try to identify it tonight.

He was asking me whether this definitely means the death of the tree. I
know that with younger trees complete ringing is supposed to be fatal
but wasn't completely sure whether it's so with older trees. I also
found I wasn't sure exactly why removal of the bark is so harmful to
the
tree or whether anything can be done to save it.

Any information or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Janet G


It usually does, depending on the depth of the wound.

The reason is that the phloem is immediately under the bark, and the
food from the leaves can't reach the roots, so the roots die and stop
transferring water up to the top of the tree.

John
I suggest that he contact the council concerned, they will have tree
experts, and if it is possible to be saved then they will do so, or maybe
replant. Sad to say it is often used way of getting rid of them by people
who live near and don't want the tree there. :-(

That's so true :-(

But if a tree is killed it should be replaced.

Mary