Bartlett pear tree winter trunk damage. - Ask Extension
Can my Bartlett pear tree adapt to this winter trunk damage? It seems to be doing ok now. I assume its sun scald but I had it wrapped with a white pla...
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Bartlett pear tree winter trunk damage. #867751
Asked May 09, 2024, 1:37 PM EDT
Can my Bartlett pear tree adapt to this winter trunk damage? It seems to be doing ok now. I assume its sun scald but I had it wrapped with a white plastic sun protector over the winter. Last year the same tree was affected by a fungus that I contacted MSU extension on and which I was advised to clean up the leave trash last fall. There was not any trunk damage then. Thank you.
Emmet County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Sun scald is indeed a common issue for trees like the Bartlett pear, especially during winter when rapid temperature fluctuations can cause the bark cells to die. The symptoms I am seeing in your image, such as peeling bark, could be indicative of sun scald. It typically presents as discolored bark and small vertical cracks, and as it progresses, the bark may slough off, revealing a vertical fissure down to the wood.
While sun scald is a physiological problem caused by high temperatures, the presence of peeling bark could also suggest other issues, such as fungal infections. Fungi often take advantage of weakened or damaged areas on trees. I suspect that there is a fungal issue. It would be best to consult with a local arborist who can assess the tree in person and provide a more definitive diagnosis.
To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
To prevent further damage, continue to protect the tree from extreme temperature changes. Wrapping the trunk with a light-colored tree wrap can help, and it’s recommended to do this for the first few winters until the bark thickens and provides more natural protection. Additionally, maintaining proper tree health through adequate watering, mulching, and fertilization can help the tree resist diseases and heal from damage more effectively.
I hope this helps!
Sun scald is indeed a common issue for trees like the Bartlett pear, especially during winter when rapid temperature fluctuations can cause the bark cells to die. The symptoms I am seeing in your image, such as peeling bark, could be indicative of sun scald. It typically presents as discolored bark and small vertical cracks, and as it progresses, the bark may slough off, revealing a vertical fissure down to the wood.
While sun scald is a physiological problem caused by high temperatures, the presence of peeling bark could also suggest other issues, such as fungal infections. Fungi often take advantage of weakened or damaged areas on trees. I suspect that there is a fungal issue. It would be best to consult with a local arborist who can assess the tree in person and provide a more definitive diagnosis.
To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
To prevent further damage, continue to protect the tree from extreme temperature changes. Wrapping the trunk with a light-colored tree wrap can help, and it’s recommended to do this for the first few winters until the bark thickens and provides more natural protection. Additionally, maintaining proper tree health through adequate watering, mulching, and fertilization can help the tree resist diseases and heal from damage more effectively.
I hope this helps!
