My next door neighbor has been super sweet by mowing my front yard and my little strip between our houses when he has his riding mower out. I am so grateful for even that little bit of extra help. That’s why I feel bad for being upset over this:
It looks like he bumped the trunk of my purple leaf plum with the mower. He probably doesn’t even realize he did it. I’m not mad or anything, just worried about the tree. What if it doesn’t heal, or gets disease or bugs?
Otherwise, it looks full and happy and healthy.
We planted it last April, and it looks so much better. I can’t wait for it to get tall enough to provide a bit of shade and privacy on the porch.
Green Bungalow Craftworks 
I think you will be ok – here\’s a tip from the North Carolina cooperative extension:Bruised and peeled bark should be treated to promote rapid healing. Trim around the wound to sound tissue on each side. Use a sharp knife and do not cut any deeper than necessary. The top and bottom should be rounded instead of forming a sharp point. This will facilitate movement of moisture and nutrients around the damage area. When done properly, healing should occur completely around the wound.If the damaged area is less than 25 percent of the circumference of the trunk, the wound should gradually heal over and no permanent injury should result. If the damage involves more than 50 percent of the circumference, the tree may be seriously reduced in vigor. It may lose branches and become quite unsightly. However, the corrective procedures of pruning, irrigation, and fertilization should be practiced until the tree recovers or until it is evident that the tree should be removed. Also, you might want to get some tree wrap for it. That will protect it from bugs, infection, and more damage.
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I found these some information online about helping a tree heal after bark damage. They recommended using masking tape to resecure the bark to the trunk so it can reattach and protect the tree.I know you can also get some plastic trunk wrap to protect the trunk while it is young from future damate
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Thanks for the great advice!Jen- I\’m going to try the circular cut you\’ve suggested.And Ryan- I think it is high time to protect the trunk. I don\’t want this happening again.-Christine
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