Japanese Lilac Bark issue - Ask Extension
We got a japanese lilac from the city a couple years ago and it's had a plastic tube wrapped around the bottom 2' or so ever since we got it, which it...
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Japanese Lilac Bark issue #849868
Asked September 14, 2023, 9:28 AM EDT
We got a japanese lilac from the city a couple years ago and it's had a plastic tube wrapped around the bottom 2' or so ever since we got it, which it's now outgrown.
1) we've noticed a ton of bark peeling/missing in long strips not only behind where the plastic tube is but higher on the tree as well. The leaves still look fine to our untrained eyes. We've given the tree an hour or more of water at least once a month during dry spells. Is this a pest? disease? Reaction to drought? Do we need to do anything to help our tree or (god forbid) do we need to chop it down due to untreatable condition? We assume the rough peeled/missing bark is not a good thing but not clear if the tree can recover and how long it may take.
2) Should we be using the plastic guard around the bottom 2-3' of trunk still? We bought a larger one so it doesn't make contact anymore. Or is this only for winter time to cut down on desperate bunnies and squirrels chewing on it?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your question has been asked and answered:
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=718924
Although the question and answer are from Colorado, the same principles apply here.
Note that even though you've been using tree guards, your lilac's bark is still splitting, so even tree guards don't always work. Also, the purpose of those tree guards is exactly this - prevent the rapid thawing-freezing that occurs in late winter. They should be removed in the spring (around April 1) and put back in late fall (around December 1).
For animals, we recommend fencing-like barriers. Read here about winter protection of trees and shrubs:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=718924
Although the question and answer are from Colorado, the same principles apply here.
Note that even though you've been using tree guards, your lilac's bark is still splitting, so even tree guards don't always work. Also, the purpose of those tree guards is exactly this - prevent the rapid thawing-freezing that occurs in late winter. They should be removed in the spring (around April 1) and put back in late fall (around December 1).
For animals, we recommend fencing-like barriers. Read here about winter protection of trees and shrubs:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
Thanks!
So if I'm already watering and using tree guards in winter, and if the split bark extends well up the trunk above guards and branches, there's not much else we need to do? Most of winter in Mpls is well below freezing so winter watering as the CO poster suggests is typically not an option and up to snow thaws to water.
Basically just keep doing what we're doing and hope it recovers?
We'll be sure the guards are on again from Dec to April or so; leaving them on last summer may not have been great for them but plenty of symptoms aren't in that area. I assume we don't need to worry about wrapping the trunk above branches for winter even if splits extend up there?
Basically just keep doing what we're doing and hope it recovers?
We'll be sure the guards are on again from Dec to April or so; leaving them on last summer may not have been great for them but plenty of symptoms aren't in that area. I assume we don't need to worry about wrapping the trunk above branches for winter even if splits extend up there?
Thanks again!
| Matt Weier |
| Technical Director/CG Animator | Pixel Farm O 612.339.7644 |
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: Thu, Sep 14, 2023 at 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: Japanese Lilac Bark issue (#0119794)
To: Matt Weier <<personal data hidden>>
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: Thu, Sep 14, 2023 at 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: Japanese Lilac Bark issue (#0119794)
To: Matt Weier <<personal data hidden>>
Yes, watering in winter is not an option here. But people forget to water their trees and shrubs right up until the ground freezes, usually late November or early December.
Another approach to sunscald is to put up a barrier of burlap on the south or southwest side of the plant. That's described in the University of Minnesota publication I linked to, in the "winter injury to evergreens" section.
But you are right, that beyond what you've done, there is nothing more to do but keep the tree healthy and hope it recovers.
Another approach to sunscald is to put up a barrier of burlap on the south or southwest side of the plant. That's described in the University of Minnesota publication I linked to, in the "winter injury to evergreens" section.
But you are right, that beyond what you've done, there is nothing more to do but keep the tree healthy and hope it recovers.
