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Farm Horizons • Feb . 6 , 2017 • Page 11
Bark splitting on trees
A reader recently asked why some of her apple trees had splitting bark . She wonders if the tree will eventually die .
Splitting bark occurs from many factors at any time of the year . Cornell University has some great information about bark splitting to share .
Trees that are most susceptible to bark splitting are those that are thin-barked , like fruit trees . Young or newly planted trees also are prone to splitting . This splitting is usually not fatal , but it can be an entry point for disease organisms that can cause decay .
There is no single reason for bark splitting on trees . During late winter and early spring , severe cold followed by rapid thawing can result in splits referred to as a “ frost crack .”
These cracks can actually start from a previous wound as the tree was developing . Sometimes the crack may remain inside the wood , but frosts can cause the crack to expand and split the bark . When there is growth in the late fall when unseasonably warm temperatures and high nitrogen levels can also increase the chance of bark to split .
Sunscald in the winter months can cause bark injury on those thin-barked or younger trees . You may notice the bark peeling away from the area in the summer and then the damage in the winter .
Sunscald injury can be prevented by not pruning those trees which have a dense canopy . Gradually thin out limbs over a few years . Newly planted trees can be helped from sunscald by wrapping main trunks with tree wrap .
Be careful not to fertilize trees late in the growing season , as this promotes new growth and can cause the tissue to susceptible to injury in the winter .
When you see a tree with splits in it , do not paint , or try to seal the area . There has been much research on this matter and it has been found , this process helps very
little .
Christine Tracing the bark around the split can
Schlueter be very helpful in aiding wound healing . With a sharp knife , starting from one end of the split , trace around one side of the wound , about one-half to one inch back from the split bark . Stop at the other end and do the same procedure on the opposite side of the split . Knives should be sterilized between cuts by dipping them for several minutes in a one part bleach to 10 parts water mixture . Carefully remove the bark from inside the traced area . You should now have a bare area . Remember to leave this area untreated .
A tree growing well usually will callus over quickly . Encourage vigor in the tree with a yearly spring fertilizer application . Be sure to keep tree watered in hot , dry weather . Keep watering until the frost starts to form in the ground . Use a soaker hose or let the water trickle slowly around the entire circumference of the trunk .
Bark splits will often close over completely leaving a slight ridge in the trunk where callus tissue has been produced . •
McLeod County Master Gardener
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