Have you ever noticed large splits in the bark of a maple tree? It’s a common problem, but what causes it? You may be surprised to find out that there are several factors that can be responsible for bark splitting in maple trees.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of bark splitting in maple trees, as well as how to prevent and treat it.
Read on to find out more!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Maple tree bark can split as a result of frost cracking, sunscald, animal damage, or mechanical damage.
Frost cracking is caused by abrupt temperature changes, usually during the winter months, that cause the bark to contract and expand rapidly, resulting in the bark splitting.
Sunscald occurs when the bark is exposed to the sun’s hot rays, causing the bark to heat up and then cool rapidly, resulting in splitting.
Animal damage is caused by animals like rabbits, deer, and porcupines that cause damage to the tree as they feed on the bark.
Mechanical damage is caused by anything that comes into contact with the tree, such as lawn mowers and weed trimmers.
What Causes Maple Tree Bark to Split?
The splitting of maple tree bark is a common problem for many maple tree owners, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.
The most common cause of bark splitting is a process known as frost cracking.
This occurs when temperatures drop to below freezing, causing the bark to expand and freeze.
When the frozen bark thaws, it contracts and splits, leaving noticeable cracks in the tree’s bark.
Other causes of bark splitting include excessive pruning, sunscald, and extreme weather conditions.
Frost cracking is a phenomenon that can happen to any tree, but it is particularly common in maple trees due to their relatively thin bark.
Maple trees have especially thin bark, which makes them more susceptible to frost cracking.
When the bark freezes, it expands and when it thaws, it contracts, resulting in the bark splitting.
The thin bark of maple trees also makes them more prone to sunscald, which is when the bark gets damaged due to intense sunlight.
Sunscald can cause the bark to become dry and brittle, which can lead to cracking and splitting.
Excessive pruning is another cause of bark splitting in maple trees.
Pruning a tree too aggressively can damage the bark and cause it to split.
Pruning should be done carefully and with the help of a professional arborist to ensure that the tree is not damaged in the process.
Finally, extreme weather conditions can also cause bark splitting in maple trees.
Severe winds and heavy rain can cause the bark to become weakened and split, and snow and ice can cause the bark to freeze and expand, resulting in cracking and splitting.
To prevent bark splitting in maple trees, it is important to monitor weather conditions and take preventative measures.
If the weather is cold, it is important to cover the maple tree with a suitable material to insulate it from the cold.
It is also important to prune the tree carefully and to provide it with adequate shade in the summer months.
Finally, it is important to inspect the tree regularly to identify any signs of bark splitting and to take appropriate corrective action.
Frost Cracking
Frost cracking is most commonly the cause of maple tree bark splitting.
This occurs when temperatures drop below freezing, causing the bark to become frozen and expand.
When the frozen bark thaws, it contracts and splits, creating noticeable cracks in the tree’s bark.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to maple trees, but is common among other species as well.
Frost cracking is most likely to occur in late fall or early spring, when temperatures can fluctuate quickly.
The bark of the tree is most vulnerable to this type of splitting during these times.
It is important to note, however, that the tree itself is not in danger from this phenomenon.
The bark serves as a protective layer to the tree, and when it is cracked, the tree will continue to grow and thrive, albeit with a slightly different appearance.
Excessive Pruning
Excessive pruning can also cause splitting of the bark on a maple tree.
If a tree is pruned too severely and too often, it can weaken the tree’s structure and cause excessive stress on the bark.
This can cause the bark to expand and contract, leading to splitting and cracking.
It is important to prune maple trees judiciously, as improper pruning can have a detrimental effect on the tree’s overall health and appearance.
Additionally, when pruning, it is important to avoid making large cuts in the bark, as this can also contribute to bark splitting.
Sunscald
Sunscald is another common cause of bark splitting in maple trees.
Sunscald occurs when the trees bark is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, causing the bark to heat up and expand.
When the bark cools, it contracts and can cause cracks in the bark.
Sunscald is more common in young trees, as their bark is thinner and more susceptible to the effects of direct sunlight.
Sunscald can be prevented by providing shade for the tree, or by painting the bark with a light-colored paint to reflect the sunlight.
In extreme cases, sunscald can even cause the trees bark to die, resulting in the death of the tree.
Therefore, it is important to protect your maple tree from sunscald to ensure its long-term health and survival.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions can also be responsible for maple tree bark splitting.
High winds, drought, and extreme cold can all cause undue stress on a tree, leading to a splitting of its bark.
High winds can cause the bark to become weak and brittle, leading to cracking.
Drought can cause the bark to dry out, leading to it becoming brittle and splitting.
Extreme cold can cause the bark to freeze and expand, leading to cracking and splitting when it thaws.
In any of these cases, the bark of the maple tree can be split, leading to a weakened tree and potential damage.
It is important to note that while extreme weather conditions can cause bark splitting, they are usually not the only cause.
Other factors such as pruning, sunscald, and frost cracking can all contribute to the splitting of maple tree bark.
Taking proper care of your maple tree by providing adequate water and avoiding over-pruning can help to prevent bark splitting.
Additionally, protecting the tree from extreme weather conditions, such as through wrapping it during the winter, can help reduce the risk of bark splitting.
Preventing Bark Splitting
When it comes to preventing bark splitting, understanding the causes is key.
The most common cause of bark splitting is frost cracking, which is caused by temperatures dropping below freezing.
To prevent this, it is important to protect your maple tree from extreme cold.
This can be done by wrapping it with a blanket or burlap during the winter months, and providing adequate insulation.
Other causes, such as excessive pruning, sunscald, and extreme weather conditions, can also be prevented.
When pruning, it is important to only remove dead or damaged branches, and to not over-prune the tree.
Sunscald can be prevented by providing your tree with adequate shade, or by using a sun-deflecting paint on the trunk.
Finally, protecting the tree from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy snowfall, can help prevent bark splitting.
When in doubt, it is always best to consult an arborist or tree specialist to ensure that your maple tree is receiving the best care possible.
They can provide expert advice on how to protect your tree from the elements, as well as provide any necessary treatments.
Taking the necessary steps to protect your maple tree can help ensure that it stays healthy and strong for many years to come.
Treatment for Bark Splitting
When it comes to treating maple tree bark that has been split, the best course of action is to take preventive measures.
As mentioned above, one of the main causes of bark splitting is frost cracking, which occurs when temperatures drop below freezing and the bark freezes and expands.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to protect the tree from extreme temperatures.
This can be done by wrapping the trunk of the tree with burlap, which helps to insulate it from the cold.
Additionally, it is important to keep the tree well-watered, as dry conditions can make it more susceptible to frost cracking.
Another cause of bark splitting is excessive pruning.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to prune the tree only when necessary and to avoid trimming too much at once.
Additionally, it is important to use sharp, clean pruning tools when trimming the tree in order to minimize the amount of damage caused by the pruning.
Sunscald is another cause of bark splitting and is caused by direct exposure to the sun’s rays.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to provide the tree with adequate shade, particularly during the summer months when the sun is the strongest.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the tree is well-watered, as dry conditions can make it more susceptible to sunscald.
Finally, extreme weather conditions can also cause bark splitting.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to take steps to protect the tree from the elements.
This can include providing the tree with adequate shelter from wind and rain, as well as ensuring the tree is well-watered during periods of extreme heat and drought.
By taking the necessary steps to protect the tree from the causes of bark splitting, it is possible to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place and ensure the tree remains healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that there are a variety of causes for maple tree bark to split, from frost cracking to sunscald.
To prevent bark splitting, it is important to maintain healthy tree conditions and keep trees away from extreme weather conditions.
If bark splitting does occur, it is important to seek professional advice to ensure the health of the tree.
With this knowledge, you can keep your maple tree healthy and strong!.
