If you care about the health of your trees, you’ll want an explanation for any issues you spot on it. Seeing a split down the bark of the tree will have you scratching your head — and in some cases, it may even be a sign of a rotten tree.
As the top choice for ultimate tree services in McKinleyville, many people call us to ask, “Why is the bark on my tree splitting?” We’ll look at some of the most common causes in this post.
The Top Causes of Bark Splitting in Trees
The split in the tree bark is often down to any of the following reasons.
Sharp Temperature Fluctuations
When temperatures drop suddenly during the peak of winter, the bark (which bears all the brunt) will contract faster than the inner wood, causing a split. However, since we don’t get freezing temperatures here in McKinleyville, winter cracks are highly unlikely (but not impossible).
Sunscald
Sunscald happens when a tree facing direct sunlight and intense heat during the day cools suddenly at night. Sunscald mostly affects the southern and southwestern sides of the tree. The severity will depend on the type of bark.
Animal Damage
Do you get a lot of rodents around the tree? Do you have pets? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you have your answer to the question, “Why is the bark on my tree splitting?” Animals rubbing against tree trunks or chewing on them can lead to cracks and splits.
Pests and Diseases
Various pests and tree diseases that can cause root damage also can make the bark split. For example, fungal infections such as cankers can damage the root system and create weak spots in the bark. Borers can also burrow into the bark in their hunt for shelter and food. The result is weaker bark structure and lots of splits.
Sudden Growth
You want your tree to grow as fast as possible, but if you push it too much, the bark might split because it can’t keep up with the expansion of the inner wood.
You can’t do anything about favorable weather conditions causing a sudden growth spurt in your trees, but you can help ensure more measured growth by avoiding excessive fertilization.
What Can You Do About a Split in the Bark of Your Trees?
The first thing you should do, is to check out the split to ensure it’s not due to pest or disease. The split will only remain an aesthetic concern in healthy trees. However, you have to take steps to ensure it doesn’t act as an entry for diseases and pests.
Remove any loose bark and cut a clean circle around the split to keep the area neat. This will help encourage the natural healing process.
Get Expert Help From Your Local Pros in McKinleyville, CA
Are you still wondering, “Why is the bark on my tree splitting?” Are you concerned about the size of the split and whether you’ll need to plan tree removal? Have other questions, like, “Do trees die of old age?” Call the 3 Dads Tree Service team at (707) 506-6602 to schedule a consultation.