Knowledgebase

Young Live Oak bark is splitting #852576

Asked October 08, 2023, 6:40 PM EDT

I planted a new Live Oak tree last year (fall 2022).  I noticed several weeks back that the bark is splitting.  I hoped it was just from growing or temperature changes or something, but in looking at it today, I'm worried it's more than that.  I've seen tiny ant-looking insects crawling on the bark, but it doesn't seem an overwhelming amount and they are super tiny - much smaller than a regular ant - I can't make out anything but a black dot of movement.  I can't find any insects that seem like a problem.  (I did use some Diatomaceous Earth a few times just to make sure).  I live in Flower Mound.  I don't water my lawn but try to make sure to give the tree some water every week.  Can you help me figure out what I should do -- I don't want to lose my tree. 

Denton County Texas

Expert Response

Amy,
Thanks for your message. It appears your tree bark damage is caused by sun scald. New trees should generally have their trunks paper wrapped. See question 1 in this link https://neilsperry.com/2023/07/qa-ask-neil-july-6-2023/. 
Hope this helps.
Rick Williams 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 09, 2023, 10:11 PM EDT
Thank you SOOO much for your response!!  I have never heard of Sun Scald and when I was looking into care last year, never heard of wrapping the tree base.  Can I wrap it now to prevent further damage (the little tree has only been planted a year)?  

In the question in the link, it was mentioned that there was nothing that can be done, but that was an older tree and I think was referencing reversing the damage, not preventing further damage.  I will gladly wrap it even if it won't for sure help -- so long as it doesn't hurt it to wrap it at this point.

Thanks!
Amy



From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, October 9, 2023 9:11 PM
To: Amy Rizzo <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Young Live Oak bark is splitting (#0122501)
 

Dear Amy, here's the response to your question:

Amy,

Thanks for your message. It appears your tree bark damage is caused by sun scald. New trees should generally have their trunks paper wrapped. See question 1 in this link https://neilsperry.com/2023/07/qa-ask-neil-july-6-2023/. 

Hope this helps.
Rick Williams 


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The Question Asker Replied November 02, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
Thanks for your question.  You can wrap the tree to prevent further damage.
Hope this helps,
Rick Williams
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 04, 2023, 7:25 PM EDT

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