How Do I Trim A Tree That A Woodpecker (Northern Flicker) Has Damaged

Question

I have 2 young fruit trees, an apple and a cherry. Their trunks are maybe 1-2 inches in diameter. This spring I noticed areas on the trunks (next to a branch) that the bark looks like it has been peeled back. It was odd. No holes, just peeled back and the inside of the tree exposed. I didn’t know what to do, so I put duct tape around those areas. Now, since they are leafing out, the cherry in particular is not leafing out, in fact the little branches with the buds are brittle. The main trunk seems to be ok, just the branches above that area. It is the same way on the apple tree, but seems to affect only one branch, which is right where I taped it. The only woodpecker type bird we have around is the Northern Flicker. Would these birds do that, and how do I repair? having an issue uploading photos. I hope my description is enough. Thank you. I am afraid I may have to cut the top 3 feet of my cherry tree off. Anything below seems ok. Thank you in advance for any help you might give me.

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Answer 1

These articles should help you decide if it's birds or disease:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/woodpecker-damage-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/peeling-bark-on-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-diseases.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/cherry-tree-diseases.htm