Question
A critter, possibly a rabbit ate the bark around the base of my tree. I'm from Pennsylvania and I don't know the name of the tree. It is a small tree, about 12 feet high and is 4 years old. It gets beautiful pink flowers in the spring and something that looks like berries in the fall. Will the bark grow back and is there anything I should do now to protect it from the elements?

Answer
The fate of the tree depends on how far around the trunk the bark was removed. Under the bark is a cell layer called the cambium--this is the living cell layer that gives the tree life. If it is cut all around the tree then it is like strangling the tree. If the tree trunk is not cut all the way around then the trunk can be wrapped with tree tape to protect it was fungi entering. Check with your local garden type/nursery store and they should have the tree wrap. I would also try to get some "bees wax' and spread it on the wound before it is wrapped, this will help hold the moisture. The bark will grow back , this will take some time depending on the extent of the wound. If you need some on the ground assistance you can contact the Penn State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. This is a free service in most states.