Robinia

[butterfly1966]

I have a young Robinia, which is 3 years old and this year has few leaves and looks unhealthy. I noticed yesterday that a cat has been sharpening its claws on the "bark" and there are deep scratches all over the base of the tree. Will it survive and what should I do so that it recovers?

[bewildered_nmsu]

Get plastic tree guards. They wrap around the trunk, to prevent that sort of thing. Call around to find a local supplier. Try your local garden center first.

[!potatoes!]

most of the black locusts in my area look pretty ratty this year - brown and tattered.