Zelcova bark splitting - Ask Extension
With the recent heat, we noticed our mature zelcova has about half the bark split and peeling off of the trunk. It is normal for the bark to shed and ...
Knowledgebase
Zelcova bark splitting #876168
Asked July 07, 2024, 2:02 AM EDT
With the recent heat, we noticed our mature zelcova has about half the bark split and peeling off of the trunk. It is normal for the bark to shed and flake, but not this dramatically. It has also been dropping leaves, which is abnormal for this time of year. The tree has not been hit, sprayed, or knowingly damaged. Ants are climbing the tree, but no other insects are visible. What is going on and how can we help our tree survive?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, and thank you for contacting us about your zelcova tree.
These trees seem to be prone to having bark issues.
Which direction does the damaged side of the tree face?
I would guess the splitting bark is a result the extreme cold we experienced over the winter and/or possibly freeze/thaw damage. This type of damage often occurs after the bark is heated by the sun and then very cold spell immediately follows. You might try propping a plank of wood against the exposed side of the trunk through the winter.
The following articles provide information about sun-scald and managing peeling bark:
When Zelkova is exposed to 100°F or higher consistently, you may begin to see burnt foliage mass, resulting in a weakened tree over time. In the colder months, Zelkova should never endure temperatures below 20°F. Anything under that may result in the loss of fine branches.
So the winter weather may be the source of both problems.
We do not recommend painting or treating the bark wounds since the tree will heal better without them. Be sure to water the tree slowly and deeply across the entire root zone, about 1-inch of water per week. (A soaker hose or drip system work best.)
The extreme weather we are now experiencing in both summer and winter will be hard on trees. The best treatment is to keep them as healthy as possible with proper watering and feeding.
I hope this is helpful. Please write again whenever you have a gardening question.
These trees seem to be prone to having bark issues.
Which direction does the damaged side of the tree face?
I would guess the splitting bark is a result the extreme cold we experienced over the winter and/or possibly freeze/thaw damage. This type of damage often occurs after the bark is heated by the sun and then very cold spell immediately follows. You might try propping a plank of wood against the exposed side of the trunk through the winter.
The following articles provide information about sun-scald and managing peeling bark:
- https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/shedding-peeling-and-splitting-bark-shade-trees
- https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/winter-damage-trees#sunscald
When Zelkova is exposed to 100°F or higher consistently, you may begin to see burnt foliage mass, resulting in a weakened tree over time. In the colder months, Zelkova should never endure temperatures below 20°F. Anything under that may result in the loss of fine branches.
So the winter weather may be the source of both problems.
We do not recommend painting or treating the bark wounds since the tree will heal better without them. Be sure to water the tree slowly and deeply across the entire root zone, about 1-inch of water per week. (A soaker hose or drip system work best.)
The extreme weather we are now experiencing in both summer and winter will be hard on trees. The best treatment is to keep them as healthy as possible with proper watering and feeding.
I hope this is helpful. Please write again whenever you have a gardening question.
