This spring could be a real challenge for gardeners.
Instead of the joy of the first buds, many are left with deep teeth marks on the trunks of apple and pear trees.
The culprits are mice, whose invasion has become record-breaking due to the warm winter.
How to save your favorite trees if the bark is partially or completely destroyed? An agronomist gave the answer.
Why rodents attacked gardens
An abnormally mild winter has created ideal conditions for mice. The rodent population is now growing rapidly, and hunger is forcing them to gnaw even raspberries and gooseberries.
Young apple and pear trees are especially vulnerable - their bark is sweet and tender.
Dead or Alive: How to Assess the Damage
The main sign of tree death is ring damage to the bark. If rodents have gnawed the trunk around the entire circumference, it will not be possible to save it.
Even if it blossoms, the tree will dry out by midsummer. But if at least a section of bark survives, there is a chance for recovery.
Rescue instructions
Damaged areas should be immediately treated with garden pitch - it will protect exposed tissue from infections and drying out. The product can be purchased or made independently from resin, wax and fat.
Young trees will recover over time, although the yield will be reduced. It is better to cut off branches that are eaten away at the edges, and try to heal skeletal ones.
If the bark on them is destroyed, it will not be possible to save them - they will have to be cut down.
And yet, summer residents should not lose hope: with timely care, even severely damaged trees can be given a second chance.
The main thing is to act quickly and not ignore the first signs of a rodent attack.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya