Peach tree trunk ailment - Ask Extension
Our peach tree is approx. 20 years old. It produces very nice peaches, when we don't have a late freeze. The attached pictures show trunk bark that ha...
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Peach tree trunk ailment #137560
Asked June 29, 2013, 10:30 AM EDT
Our peach tree is approx. 20 years old. It produces very nice peaches, when we don't have a late freeze. The attached pictures show trunk bark that has peeled back and a crack in the wood. i do not see any oozing, discoloration, insects, or bore holes. This year's peach count is the highest we've had in the last 3-4 years. My question: what is causing the bad looking trunk, will it eventually kill the tree, and is there a cure or treatment? Thank you so much. We live in Grand Junction.
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
This appears to be an old injury. Trees can sustain quite a bit of vertical damage, as long as most of the trunk going around the tree is intact. There is nothing you can do about the wound, but if there is loose bark around it you can carefully cut it away so that it doesn't become a home for insect pests. Enjoy the peaches!
We lost our peach tree in a wind storm last night.
Wow! The damage must have been more extensive than it looked from the photos. Hope everyone is okay!
Perhaps a small silver lining for you: peach wood makes excellent campfires (once the burning ban is lifted of course) and is also prized by sculptors.
Perhaps a small silver lining for you: peach wood makes excellent campfires (once the burning ban is lifted of course) and is also prized by sculptors.
