I agree - squirrels. They like the thin bark of Japanese maples for their nesting material and will readily strip it from any available trees in spring.

That confirms it then.

Thank you.

Maybe I can talk my neighbor to remove his bird feeder the squirrels are raiding.

Guess I'll just have to out plant them. ;-)

Though unsightly, there are plastic mesh products that can be wrapped loosely around the trunk and main branches to prevent access by squirrels. Better yet, get a motion-sensor spray device. They are not cheap, and cannot be used in freezing weather, but work great on all animals.

http://gardening.yardener.com/Scarecrow-The-Water-Spritzing-Device

Good idea! I would only need to wrap them for a short time in the Spring. I can handle that. Timing would be crucial.

A motion sensor hooked up to water is relatively cheap. The problem for me is I have a lot of Japanese maples spread out over ten acres. I also have a game camera around here somewhere. I used to use it for getting pictures of deer and elk.

Chicken wire loosely crumpled around the trunk is very effective as well. Allows the bark to breathe properly and almost disappears from sight!! Too bad it doesn't keep the deer away as well!

The squirrel damage is usually something an otherwise healthy tree can handle pretty well. Unless they manage to strip all the bark off the circumference of the trunk.

That looks like a commercial nursery site. Does your wife know about this?

LOL Looks are deceiving. It's two long, narrow, parallel lines of plants. Heavy on the narrow. ;-)

With all the damage from squirrels and lacebugs, I'm going to need some replacements!

Oh! My wife has no idea. She goes out to the car to go shopping on the other side of the house. This side is blocked by trees. I got it covered. :-)