I have a 15' Golden Curls Willow in my back yard. Last week, I noticed that a section of bark (about 1" x 3") was stripped off of a nearly horizontal branch.

Of course, the kids get questioned first, :) as it looks as though a rope was hung on the branch (only about 2" diameter...not strong enough to hold a child). Kids swear that they never went near the tree...even with the promise of prosecutorial immunity.

Yesterday, I discovered another section of stripped bark, about as big as the first...on a smaller, rather-horizonal branch.

I searched online and found that squirrels will do this. We have squirrels everywhere around here (grey squirrels). They will be out and about in the yard, even if you're out there working in the yard.

I have a problem with the squirrels digging up my veggie garden, my flowers in the flower pots, etc. I've tried a spray made with cayenne pepper...didn't work. They seem to like spicy foods...and in the end, I'm still having to replant my uprooted geraniums once or twice a week.

The internet suggests putting metal around the branches of the tree to protect it, but I don't know if turning my tree into the tin-man is really the answer...I suppose if it's all I can do...but is there another option, besides cayenne pepper juice?

The tree hasn't seemed to be adversely affected...yet. I'm hoping it will stop before the bark-stripping gets too out of hand.