The older an apple tree is, the more vulnerable its bark is. However, through mechanical damage to the bark, pathogens and fungi can penetrate and cause massive damage to the fruit tree. If you don't act quickly enough if there is extensive bark damage, the tree could even die.
How to repair the bark of the apple tree?
This isdepending onthesize of the wound. The edges of smaller areas are smoothed and treated with a wound protectant. You should fasten loose pieces of bark with aluminum nails. Large-area injuries to the bark are covered with wound protection film.
How do cracks occur in the bark and how are they treated?
These arealmost alwaysFrost cracks. They mainly occur in spring, when the sun is already quite strong during the day, but temperatures fall below freezing at night. The tree can usually repair these cracks in the bark itself.
However, it is recommended to prevent such damage by painting it white. Like sunglasses, it shields the bark from radiation and prevents it from expanding and cracking due to temperature differences.
Can the apple's bark reform?
After asmaller,mechanicalinjurythe tree is able to inflict a woundindependentlytoclose. The division-active cambium simply pushes itself over the area from the inside until it is closed. However, depending on the size of the injury, this can take months or even years.
During this time, pathogens and fungi can invade this area and cause massive damage to the apple tree. That's why quick action is required.
How do you repair bark injuries?
You should cover large bark injuriesas quickly as possible withbiodegradablewound protection film. This protects the affected areas from drying out and UV rays and thus promotes the surface callus formation.
Even large, missing areas of bark can be repaired in this way. The apple tree has often regenerated itself within one growing season thanks to this wound care.
Treat smaller wounds as follows:
- Smooth the frayed bark with a sharp knife.
- Apply the outer edge of the injury with a wound closure agent.
Do surface wound closure agents repair the bark?
More and moreExperts are avoiding wound closure products,because, according to experts, these are not suitable for repairing the bark.
The reason:
- Since the wound closure becomes cracked over time due to the effects of the weather, the wounds are often affected by rot or fungi despite the preparation applied.
- Moisture penetrates through the porous cover and can last for a very long time.
- The effect of the apple tree's natural defenses is weakened and the bark no longer regenerates itself.
Tip
Bark burn can only be cured in the initial stages
Apple trees weakened by heat and drought are increasingly being attacked by the Diplodia fungus, which causes black bark blight. It initially appears as dark, sunken spots. Later the trunk and branches turn black. Healing is no longer possible at this point. However, you can prevent the infestation by applying a coat of lime, watering on hot days and providing good nutrients.
