Rabbit Chewing Damage to Peach

Q. I planted a peach tree late last winter but before I could protect it the rabbits began chewing on it a bit, not all the way around just a few spots. I’m not sure if borers have gotten to it. Do you think it can be saved or is it time to pull it out?

Rabbit damage to a peach tree. Rabbits love to eat fruit trees in the winter when not much else is around to eat. If you fear rabbit damage, use one inch hexagonal fencing to protect them when they are young.

A. Most trees, including fruit trees, can lose about half of their bark by chewing and still survive. If it were me I would tally up all of the damage and if this damage is less than 50% then it should be fine. You might lose some branches that are severely damaged but the majority should survive. 

A cylinder of 24 inch wide, one inch hexagonal chicken wire is usually good enough protection for fruit trees from rabbits.

Protect the rest of the tree from vermin damage and don't worry about it too much. The damage will heal on its own. If you want the tree to recover from damage faster, make sure it is getting enough water and fertilize it at least once each spring.