Something removing bark from flame azleas

I have 3 mature flame azaleas along my driveway, and I noticed this week that something is removing a thin layer of bark on the thick woody stems.

The bark is moved all away around like a band and there's a lighter line going around the stem. Most of bands are near where the stems fork. Some bands are a few feet from the ground and some are about 6 feet. At first, the removed bark area was about 2 inches in depth and and now some are about 5 inches.

I'm guessing some type of bird is doing this. If so, maybe I could tie some strips of red cloth to try to frighten it away. Any thoughts or ideas?

I'm also wondering if this threatens the life of the shrub? Particularly with the cold weather WNC is still experiencing?

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Permalink Reply by Mitch on March 30, 2010 at 11:41am

Karen,

Know that it's been a while since you posted, but any responses? Would suggest trying your local extension office & I have a few contacts that I am willing to send an email if you've not already gotten a response.

Mitch
NC Native Plant Society

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Permalink Reply by Karen Hatton on March 30, 2010 at 1:13pm

Hi Mitch,

No responses so far. Would appreciate any help.

Thanks, Karen

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Permalink Reply by Mitch on March 30, 2010 at 1:27pm

Karen,

I'll try my contacts to see if that gets anywhere. It may not be a bird, but rather a borer of some sort. Do you have pics? If so, please send & I'll forward.

Also wanted to let you know that the NC Native Plant Society, Asheville Chapter will be hosting a garden tour in Leicester on the 17th. Visit, http://www.ncwildflower.org/index.php/site/event_details/calendar-n... for more info.

Once I hear back from you on pics will forward the above info to see what I can find.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara on April 4, 2010 at 7:18am

Why not try what I use for deer? It's cheap, easy and lasts a long time.
I melt Crisco fat in a saucepan ... the cheapest sort will do.
Paint it onto the bark. If you suspect birds you might throw in something disgusting like a can of cayenne (the spice) or some eucalyptus oil.
This will last a couple of years.

Barbara

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Permalink Reply by Mark Wilson, RLA, ASLA on February 4, 2011 at 2:23pm

Rabbits might be the cause...have seen other shrubs affected in a similar manner. Try wrapping the trunks with chicken wire with a 1" or so gap between the wire fabric and the trunk. If you don't stop the damage, at least you'll know it's something larger than a bird or rabbit that doing the damage.