Hello. Hope this is the correct forum for this question....could someone tell me what is causing this damage? Growing in northern VA woodland which contains mostly wild growing natives. This area is overrun by ash sprouts...definitely emerald borer territory but I don't know if this would be the culprit as I am finding this damage on just about every species I encounter! Lots of Lindera benzoin, many species in Rosacecae family etc etc. Plants, trees have this damage but are not dying from it as far as I can tell. Thank-you for any suggestions.
Given the broad range of species you’re seeing this on, it could be due to deer (bucks) rubbing their antlers…..
Thank-you for your input!! Never thought about deer...this place is overrun by them and they do a lot of obvious damage to larger trunks...was not aware that they would rub antlers on twigs but if they do...this could be culprit! Thanks for the suggestion!
