[Zoobec]

Hi, my 2 goats have unfortunately been eating bark from some mature sycamore trees in their paddock. They have removed the top layer of bark all the way around the tree in some cases. Unfortunately I didn't realise until after the event that it is so harmful to the tree, and the extent of the damage. Is there anything I can do to remedy the problem, as I wouldn't want to lose the trees. I have fenced the goats away from the trees now.

[Backinwellies]

Not an expert but I think once ring of bark has been removed tree is doomed (can't transport food or water as this is done just under the bark level.  You may have too fell these as they will become dangerous.

[shygirl]

yes, it will die. even if only partially ring barked it will struggle.

[suziequeue]

Yes - just let it die naturally. A dying/dead tree is a fantastic habitat.

[Stereo]

One way to save the tree would be to coppice or pollard it below the damage if possible and then put a fence around it.