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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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