Can anyone help me with this tree please

[diannemiddleton]

I have recently moved and have this lovely tree in my garden it has silvery coloured leaves with very fragrant white/yellow flowers in early spring. I have recently noticed that the bark is coming off at the base of the trunk exposing the wood and wondered if anyone has any ideas as what to do. Incidently I don't know the name of this tree so if anyone can help I would be grateful.

[aeshna5]

Elaeagnus angustifolius "Quicksilver"

Could the bark be being browsed by rabbits, rodents or other creatures?

[The Woodman]

Can you post a picture or two of the bark problem area, please?

Welcome to WAB, Dianne.

[diannemiddleton]

Hi, sorry for the delay couldn't get the photo till the weekend. It looks worse in the photo than what I could actually see. I didn't know whether I should cover it with soil to protect it or leave it open so it has been covered in soil. The furry mass beside it is my kitten. Also it looks as though I have an offshoot of this tree, can this happen?

PS thank you for the name.

[Dorts]

Dianne. I have had a look at your photo of the damage to your Elaeagnus - 'Quicksilver'.
It looks as though it was damaged some time ago as it is clear the wound has partially healed.
Strimmers are one of the main causes of such damage.
As it appears from your earlier photo that the shrub looks quite healthy, I shouldn't be at all concerned.
Do not cover the damaged area with soil, this can itself harm the shrub.
Dorts.

[Brocakat]

I believe it to be perfectly likely to spread by offshoots:- Elaeanus x ebbingei definately does, as also E.pungens 'maculata'.

[diannemiddleton]

Thank you very much, the soil had always been that high it was only when I was levelling off the garden and putting some covering bark down that I noticed it, I don't actually know how deep the wound goes as I took away a good 3 inches to expose what was there and I think it went deeper than the photo I took. It can be very damp where it is in the winter but then very dry in the summer is it worth getting a bandage for it as if I take away the soil it is going to look as though I have got a big hole in the garden, incidently the wound is aroung the back of the tree also but the pictures I took are a bit blurry.

Dianne

[Dorts]

Dianne, I should just give it a good mulch of compost, back to the original soil level and leave it at that. Bandages can often encourage fungal infection, and a bit of exposure to the air won't do any harm.
Dorts.

[diannemiddleton]

Thank you very much for your help.