Cause

• Fruit trees that are exposed to high winds or extreme temperatures are prone to winter injury. Rodents and rabbits are among the pests that frequently damage the bark of fruit trees. Smaller pests that can inflict severe damage to fruit tree bark include borers.
  
  

Symptoms

• Rodent feeding is evident by missing bark near and below the soil line, with gnawing marks visible on the wood. Rabbit consumption of bark can expose the roots of young fruit trees. Trees exposed to very cold temperatures can suffer damage to inner bark tissues; bark may start to split and loosen, and inner bark turns brown. Borers are common pests of stone fruit trees. The pests feed on inner bark near and below the soil line. Heavy infestation causes tree death.
  
  

Management

• Avoid cold damage by selecting weather-tolerant varieties and planting trees in sheltered areas. According to the University of Arizona Extension, southern and western locations on a property are the warmest. Place pea gravel or a layer of small stones an inch below the soil line around the fruit trees to keep out rodents. Use rabbit guards like wire screens to discourage rabbit feeding. If you notice borer larvae on trees, begin spraying the bark with carbaryl every six weeks starting in spring.