bark damage on beech tree - Ask Extension
Good morning. Please see the attached pictures showing damage to the bark on my purple beech tree. The damaged area faces southwest and gets direct su...
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bark damage on beech tree #753744
Asked June 03, 2021, 12:14 PM EDT
Good morning. Please see the attached pictures showing damage to the bark on my purple beech tree. The damaged area faces southwest and gets direct sun. A friend told us it is damage due to sun in the winter. Do you agree? What can/should we do to prevent further damage and/or heal the tree? The tree is at least 20 years old. Thanks!!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Victoria,
Yes, this looks like frost cracks or something related to environmental/temperature injury. It also looks like an old injury and not something that happened this winter?
It appears to be just surface injury and the bark below the cracks looks fine. While it looks bad, it's not going to be harmful to the tree. There isn't anything you need to do.
thanks! yes, it is older than just this year, but I can't honestly remember how long ago. my bad. thanks for your input.
Victoria
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 11:37 AM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 11:37 AM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
Dr. O'Connor,
One more question for confirmation - so no need to wrap the tree in future winters to protect it or prevent such damage from happening again?
thanks,
Victoria
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 11:37 AM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 11:37 AM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
Hi again,
Not based on the age of this tree, no. Wrapping is reserved for young, thin-barked trees. This is likely because beech are more of a high water needs tree and it likely suffered from some dehydration in our arid climate.
thanks!
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 3:03 PM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 3:03 PM
To: Victoria Bridges <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: bark damage on beech tree (#0023675)
