After a windstorm shifted its tilt, this Morella cerifera was fit to be tied. But the tie was untended, so the tree ate some of it, and got indigestion. We removed all of the strap that we could, traced away the compacted bark so the phloem can expand, reduced a branch that was girdled by included nylon, and wished the tree well.
The hypothesis is that the exposed phloem, the whitish area in the middle of the girdle where the chisel was more aggressive, will expand outward at a faster rate. After we chipped away the blackened, compacted bark, the phloem on either side may still be relatively inhibited by the layer of bark remaining. What do you think will happen?
At 26′ tall, 29″ girth, and 21′ average spread, this bayberry aka waxmyrtle is a contender for state champ, just 6 points off the lead. With the girdling mitigated
, it might outlast or outgrow its competition, and someday reign supreme!