Rodent ate bark of apple tree HELP

I live in Northern Maine and now that the snow has begun to melt, I have noticed some rodent has eaten away a good part of the bark from my Apple trees that was under snow, completely around the trunk. Does anyone know if these trees are salvageable and if yes how? They are approximately 5 years old, 6 to 7 feet high and were 1 to 2 years away from bearing fruit. Any suggestions? Anyone??

 

Meadow and pine mouse (vole) feed on bark of trunks and roots. Remove soil around base of tree and examine roots to see if bark has been removed. When they girdle the tree, this results in death. When they girdle the roots, this results in severe weakening of the tree and eventual death. Mulching helps to discourage them. Placing a layer of pea gravel (small stones) 1" below the surface around the tree helps, too. If planting new trees, allow soil to settle one inch and apply 2" stone out around tree to cover the root area. Rabbits will also feed on the bark if snow is on the ground 10-14 days. Vinyl guards will help protect the tree bark.