Splitting Bark on Live Oak Tree - Ask Extension
We have a beautiful live oak tree that was planted in our yard two and a half years ago (month of October). It was well cared for and planted by han...
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Splitting Bark on Live Oak Tree #180399
Asked May 09, 2014, 3:29 PM EDT
We have a beautiful live oak tree that was planted in our yard two and a half years ago (month of October). It was well cared for and planted by hand carefully by workers from Treeland Nursery in Gunter, Texas. No damage occurred. This Spring I noticed vertical splits developing at the base of the trunk -- one in the front and another in the back of the trunk. I now see another split a few feet higher on the front of the trunk. These are deeper than the normal growth splits on the bark of this tree. The only insects I detected were ants which have been treated by spreading Amdro on the woodchips near the base of the tree. I no longer see the ants. What is causing this problem, will it harm the tree, what can be done? I am enclosing several photos.
Collin County Texas
Expert Response
Thank you for submitting your question. I can't say definitively what is causing the splitting bark on your live oak, but I can say it is a reason for concern.
There are several possibly explanations. It could be from changes in moisture (dry to wet), temperature, and possibly from the ice storms we had this winter. The drought has caused stress on a lot of trees the past three years. The ice storms have damaged a lot of trees too.
Whatever the explanation is, the wounds will likely lead to infection from fungi or bacteria, or infestation of wood boring insects. I would recommend sealing the wounds to prevent any potential disease or insect problems. Then make sure to water the tree effectively by soaking the soil at least 6 inches deep with a soaker hose, at least once per month in the absence of effective, soak rain.
You may consider consulting with a certified arborist and seeing what options they have available. Check out http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
There are several possibly explanations. It could be from changes in moisture (dry to wet), temperature, and possibly from the ice storms we had this winter. The drought has caused stress on a lot of trees the past three years. The ice storms have damaged a lot of trees too.
Whatever the explanation is, the wounds will likely lead to infection from fungi or bacteria, or infestation of wood boring insects. I would recommend sealing the wounds to prevent any potential disease or insect problems. Then make sure to water the tree effectively by soaking the soil at least 6 inches deep with a soaker hose, at least once per month in the absence of effective, soak rain.
You may consider consulting with a certified arborist and seeing what options they have available. Check out http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
