My apricot tree trunk is having problems - Ask Extension
I am wondering what I should do to help my apricot tree. The trunk bark has been cracking and almost peeling for a couple years and I'm not sure what ...
Knowledgebase
My apricot tree trunk is having problems #879916
Asked August 02, 2024, 1:50 PM EDT
I am wondering what I should do to help my apricot tree. The trunk bark has been cracking and almost peeling for a couple years and I'm not sure what is wrong or what to do to help it. Someone mentioned that it looks similar to what killed their cherry tree. Thank you!
Lake County Minnesota
Expert Response
Apricot trees will have bark cracks during extreme droughts like we have had the last couple of years. In addition the plantings under your tree are taking up most of the water because they have the shallower roots. And the fact that the tree is planted so close to the cement driveway gives the tree very limited space for roots to take up water.
Carefully move the plants under the tree disturbing the tree roots as little as possible. (Early fall is a good time to do that.). Then water the tree regularly if no rain.
Tree guards would be good for winter cover to prevent damage from mice, rabbits etc. Sudden temperature changes can contribute to bark splitting. Fruit trees are especially vulnerable. See the following website for details.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/sunscald-and-winter-dieback-shrubs
In late winter you may want to prune the tree to decrease the water needs and give the tree a chance to recover.
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
Carefully move the plants under the tree disturbing the tree roots as little as possible. (Early fall is a good time to do that.). Then water the tree regularly if no rain.
Tree guards would be good for winter cover to prevent damage from mice, rabbits etc. Sudden temperature changes can contribute to bark splitting. Fruit trees are especially vulnerable. See the following website for details.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/sunscald-and-winter-dieback-shrubs
In late winter you may want to prune the tree to decrease the water needs and give the tree a chance to recover.
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
Dear Mary,
Thank you so much for the helpful advice!! That area of our yard is always very dry and has a lot of gravel underneath as well as what you pointed out so it makes a lot of sense that it would be dry. Thank you so much!
