Autum Maple Bark Cracking - Ask Extension
Hello - I have a 3 year old autumn maple in Littleton and have recently noticed vertical cracking in the bark. I water it at least twice a week and i...
Knowledgebase
Autum Maple Bark Cracking #875414
Asked June 30, 2024, 10:12 PM EDT
Hello - I have a 3 year old autumn maple in Littleton and have recently noticed vertical cracking in the bark. I water it at least twice a week and it’s in a sprinkled area too. Any ideas on why it’s cracking?
Thanks!
Jacki
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi, Jacki:
this damage is consistent with sun scald, winter injury due to freeze-thaw of the bark, primarily on the south or southwest-facing side of the tree. It can be minimized by wrapping the trunk. Below are some resource materials discussing the problem. Affected trees can usually scar over the damage, but it is important to wrap the trunk in late fall for several years until the bark becomes more ridged and protective.
Pat B, Jeffco Extension Master Gardener Diagnostic Team
this damage is consistent with sun scald, winter injury due to freeze-thaw of the bark, primarily on the south or southwest-facing side of the tree. It can be minimized by wrapping the trunk. Below are some resource materials discussing the problem. Affected trees can usually scar over the damage, but it is important to wrap the trunk in late fall for several years until the bark becomes more ridged and protective.
- Environmental Disorders of Wood Plants (see Sunscald) https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02932.pdf
- Wrapping Trees for Winter https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf
Pat B, Jeffco Extension Master Gardener Diagnostic Team
