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Ash tree bark damage #647536

Asked June 07, 2020, 8:56 PM EDT

This bark wound is on a 15” diameter autumn purple ash.  It is approx 2.5’ long and 3” wide at the deepest point.  Wood below the bark layer is exposed.  Minor damage extends up one of the branches as shown.  We found the damage after returning from out of town.  Neighbor thought maybe a lightening strike, having experienced a very close strike a couple of days prior.  No canopy damage or signs of burning.  
The tree is in overall good health.  Would you recommend any treatment?  Do you think the wound will heal?

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

I am not sure what might have caused that damage. To my understanding there really isn't much that can be done, except to allow the tree to naturally heal itself. You might give the tree some extra water if we enter into any long drought-like periods. But, I want to explicitly recommend against using "wound dressings" or sealants . I am including links to three additional resources on this topic:
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 11, 2020, 5:56 PM EDT
Thanks John.  As recommended in the info you attached, I will clean up loose bark around the wound and monitor.  Agree, NO wound dressing. 

Another general question:   Do you know why many trees In the Denver metro area are dead or struggling this season?

Jim
The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2020, 8:34 AM EDT

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:


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/


An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2020, 11:33 AM EDT

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