In article ,
says...

"David P" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
We have just discovered one of our shrubs, a late-flowering
ceanothus,
dying on one side. On searching there has been a neat removal of
the
bark right round the trunk near the base. It has been completely
stripped off and looks as if it has been cut off with a knife as
it is
so perfect! Is this the work of a hare as we do have a couple
around? If so, I'll put a cage round it.

Unlikely to be a hare IMO. You say the bark is completely stripped
in a
full circle all the way round - you don't have any 2 legged pests do
you?

Funnily enough the two legged pest idea was our worry, but we couldn't
understand why he/she would only tackle one shrub. Our nearest
[..]

A mystery.

Sorry to hear that it can't be quickly resolved - at least it sounds
unlikely to be vandalism. The problem you will have now is a dead shrub
- the removal of the bark in a comlpete circle will have killed it, that
is why I wondered if jealousy may be the cause. In any event caging this
particular one will be of no help to it now.

I would suggest you give it a quick death by removing it now rather than
seein it slowly wilt and die. Less painful for you to watch!
--
David
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