Crabapple tree - bloom decline and bark damage - Ask Extension
Two years ago, this crabapple tree (in Culbertson, Nebraska, photos attached), was full and beautiful. Last year only about 75% of it bloomed, but I...
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Crabapple tree - bloom decline and bark damage #320361
Asked May 10, 2016, 11:56 AM EDT
Two years ago, this crabapple tree (in Culbertson, Nebraska, photos attached), was full and beautiful. Last year only about 75% of it bloomed, but I didn't pay much attention, because we had a late freeze. At the end of the summer I noticed the bark peeling. This year it has bloomed at about 50%, and the bark problem covers a greater area, and is more pronounced. Especially if there is anything I can try to do to save this tree that seems to be in trouble, I would really like to know about the options. I wonder, for example, if I should put some sort of tar or resin on the area where the bark is damaged to prevent infection. Or if I should take a sample of the bark and send it someplace for diagnosis. I just want to make sure I've done what I can. THANK YOU!
Hitchcock County Nebraska
Expert Response
This is an issue we are seeing across Nebraska. The most likely cause is damage to the cambium layer of the tree, which is just beneath the bark. In many cases, the cambium layer was damaged by the sudden cold we experienced in November, 2014. We had had a warm fall and then temperatures dropped to 2 o 5 degrees F one night. Trees were not fully dormant and sustained cold temperature injury to the cambium layer. Our extremes in temperature this past winter did not help matters. Our heat stress of 2012 was an issue for many trees. When this type of injury occurs, trees can decline suddenly or slowly over a few years. Unfortunately there is nothing to be done. Never treat or cover any kind of tree wound, pruning or other, with anything. Science shows this holds moisture in the wound and interferes with a trees natural response to wounding and leads to increased decay in tree wounds. Also, do not place tree wrap on the trunk at anytime during the growing season; and do not fertilize stressed trees. It is a wait and see situation. Given the amount of bark loss, your tree will most likely not survive the injury.
