Knowledgebase
Ash tree bark damage #647536
Asked June 07, 2020, 8:56 PM EDT
The tree is in overall good health. Would you recommend any treatment? Do you think the wound will heal?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Jim
Yes, this is mostly due to a rapid freeze and snow we had this spring as well as to some extent a rapid temperature fluctuation we had this past October. These weather events have caused trees from around the front range to appear very stunted and leaf out very slowly this spring. Many Ash, fruit, Linden, Maple, Pine/spruce, and Willow are looking stressed and strained this year; the Colorado State Forest Service even sent out a short press release on these events:
- October: https://csfs.colostate.edu/2020/01/15/october-cold-snap-injures-ponderosa-pines-in-southeast-area/
- Spring freeze: https://csfs.colostate.edu/2020/04/26/ponderosa-pines-spruce-may-exhibit-winter-burn-damage/
Here is a page with a little extra advice on preparing trees for winter: https://csfs.colostate.edu/2016/10/26/fall-tips-prepare-trees-winter/