Splitting tree bark - Ask Extension
Hi, we seem to be having the same problem on all of our trees. Maybe sun scorch? The bark is peeling away on our coral burst crabapple and starting t...
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Splitting tree bark #877848
Asked July 18, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT
Hi, we seem to be having the same problem on all of our trees. Maybe sun scorch? The bark is peeling away on our coral burst crabapple and starting to split on a ginkgo and maple tree. Each of them is in full sun most of the day. Seems to have gotten worse through the summer.
Any recommendations on slowing or stopping the splitting?
Thanks!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Mike,
These are actually frost cracks, which are related to sunscald - both frost cracks and sunscald are related to winter temperatures. When we have sunny days, this causes the cells inside the tree to "wake up". Then the temperature drops at night and the cells can freeze and burst, causing these cracks.
For young, thin-barked trees, the recommendation is to wrap them with a crepe-paper-style wrap for at least three years until the bark hardens. Apply the wrap around Thanksgiving and remove at Tax Day.
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf
These are actually frost cracks, which are related to sunscald - both frost cracks and sunscald are related to winter temperatures. When we have sunny days, this causes the cells inside the tree to "wake up". Then the temperature drops at night and the cells can freeze and burst, causing these cracks.
For young, thin-barked trees, the recommendation is to wrap them with a crepe-paper-style wrap for at least three years until the bark hardens. Apply the wrap around Thanksgiving and remove at Tax Day.
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf
