Unusual changes to the bark of the maple tree can indicate serious problems. You should definitely react accordingly if the bark on the maple tree has burst open.
What does cracked bark mean on a maple tree?
If the bark on the maple tree has cracked, this can indicate frost damage, sooty bark disease or tree cancer. Take a close look at the bark and treat the tree accordingly, e.g. by removing infected areas or closing wounds.
Why does the bark on the maple tree split open?
If the bark on the maple tree has cracked, this can indicateFrost or disease. First, examine the bark of the entire trunk. Check whether there are only a few cracked areas or whether the bark has split open in many places. If the prominent areas are just cracked furrows, this doesn't have to be a problem. Older maple trees often have bark that is furrowed and splits and peels off in places.
How do I recognize sooty bark disease from cracked bark?
A cracked bark on the maple withslime flow spots or soot-like spots on the trunk indicates sooty bark disease. In this case it is a fungal infection with Cryptostroma corticale. Since the spores of this fungus cause allergic reactions and inflammation of the alveoli, you should not take the fungal disease lightly. The disease usually occurs after very dry summer months. If you do not have professional protective equipment yourself, it is better to have an affected maple tree treated by specialists.
Can frost damage cause maple bark to split?
So-calledKahlfrost is also a possible cause of cracked maple bark. Cold frost occurs when dry cold combines with blazing sunlight. Both factors put a lot of strain on the bark and can cause parts of the bark to crack and flake off. How to treat the affected maple:
- Smooth the cracked areas with a clean knife.
- Then seal the areas with a wound closure (€17.00 on Amazon).
- Cover the open cambium with moist clay.
- Wrap foil around so the bark underneath can grow back.
How does tree cancer develop from cracked maple bark?
If the affected maple tree has been attacked by tree canker, the bark splits open and round bodiesgrow out of the trunk. You must remove the affected areas professionally and cut the maple back to he althy wood. Disinfect the interface thoroughly and also treat it with a suitable fungicide. Otherwise, the fungal infection will continue to spread throughout the tree. This is a serious tree disease.
Tip
Selecting a suitable location prevents problems
If you take your time when planting your maple and choose a location that is as suitable as possible, you can avoid many problems. In a location with the right level of moisture and enough light, the maple bark will not crack as quickly.
