Bark with furrows and small cracks is completely normal on an older maple tree. However, if the crack extends well below the bark and is found in the trunk, it indicates problems. These causes come into question.
What does a crack in the trunk of a maple tree mean?
Cracks in the trunk of a maple tree can be normal as long as they are superficial. However, deep cracks can indicate frost cracks or sooty bark disease. Frost cracks should be treated and prevented, while sooty bark disease should involve contacting a professional.
Are cracks in the trunk of the maple tree normal?
While a cracked surface is not unusual, you should check deeper cracks in the bark for unusualChanges Firstly, check the bark for any unusual discharge or fungal spores in the immediate vicinity of the cracks. On the other hand, you should check whether the crack in the trunk of the maple (Acer) was caused by frost and whether the crack exposes the bare trunk wood. In such cases you should definitely react.
What does a frost crack in a maple trunk look like?
Frost cracks run down the sunny side of the trunkverticallyand aredry. You won't find an outlet here. Frost cracks typically appear after sunny winter days. How to treat the crack in the trunk of the maple tree:
- Remove dead bark with a sharp knife.
- Apply wound protection agent with fungicide (€24.00 on Amazon).
- Temporarily protect the affected area of the trunk with plastic.
How do I prevent frost cracks in the trunk of the maple tree?
With alime coat you can prevent frost cracks in the maple trunk. Buy a mixture of lime and glue from a gardening store and paint the maple trunk with it before the start of winter. The white paint prevents the sunlight from heating the bark too much on hot winter days. If you want to protect the trunk particularly strongly, you can also wrap it with a bandage made of jute or straw mats.
What cracks in the trunk are signs of sooty bark disease?
Cracks withMucous dischargeor dark, sootyFungal spores indicate sooty bark disease. Unlike a frost crack, in this case there are significant changes in the cracked areas of the maple trunk. In this case there is a fungal infection. In this case, caution is advised. The fungus is not only dangerous to the trees. The spores can trigger allergic reactions in people and cause inflammation of the alveoli.
How to treat black cracks in maple trunk?
Contact thePlant Protection Serviceor aprofessional from the gardening industry or the forestry service. The spores of the fungal disease don't just live in the cracks of the maple trunk. They spread quickly and can also endanger your he alth. The sick maple should therefore only be treated with professional protective clothing.
Tip
This is how a good location strengthens the maple
In an optimal location, cracks in the trunk of the maple tree are quite rare. It is best to plant the maple in a place where it gets mild morning sun instead of blazing midday sun. In this way you strengthen the he alth of the tree and the condition of the bark sustainably.