Maple Tree Scald - Ask Extension
A maple in my front yard is losing bark. I suspect the tree is about 7 years old. Other than the buckling lower bark, the tree looks healthy. Is there...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree Scald #869265
Asked May 20, 2024, 1:37 PM EDT
A maple in my front yard is losing bark. I suspect the tree is about 7 years old. Other than the buckling lower bark, the tree looks healthy. Is there something I can do now, and also later when winter is upon us, to protect her in the future? Thx.
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
First pull back the mulch about 6-8” from the tree. Mulch against the tree can harbor pests and also draw water away from the tree. You should see the tree roots coming from the trunk/root flare. Maple trees are often planted too deep which can lead to stem girdling roots.
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/930cb048-ead2-47ec-83cd-fa8edda15829
Maple trees have very thin bark that is subject to sunscald and frost cracks during the first 3-5 years. The older trees easily heal this and wrapping doesn’t make a difference. See the website for details.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/930cb048-ead2-47ec-83cd-fa8edda15829
Maple trees have very thin bark that is subject to sunscald and frost cracks during the first 3-5 years. The older trees easily heal this and wrapping doesn’t make a difference. See the website for details.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
