Maple tree problem - Ask Extension
Maple Tree has been affected by this peeling (for lack of a better word) bark for several years. Tree still leafs out every year and seems healthy eno...
Knowledgebase
Maple tree problem #889253
Asked November 02, 2024, 10:32 PM EDT
Maple Tree has been affected by this peeling (for lack of a better word) bark for several years. Tree still leafs out every year and seems healthy enough. On the City easement but still hate to lose it. Any idea on the problem would be appreciated
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
Maple trees have thin bark, which makes them susceptible to frost cracks, especially on the south side of the tree. Frost cracks are vertical cracks in the stems of trees. These happen when there are rapid temperature fluctuations. On warmer, sunny days in the winter, the bark will warm up, which causes the cells to expand in the bark and wood directly below the bark. Then if temperatures drop very quickly, the bark cools and contracts. The wood under the bark does not cool as quickly, causing the bark to split. There is some research indicating these frost cracks happen at sites of previous injury. These frost cracks often grow tissue over the crack, which is called callus. In the photo I see a split that may have happened in past years and has not callused over. These splits can provide access for pathogens such as fungi which can lead to decay.
Frost cracks in trees - MSU Extension
Your maple tree does appear to have a canker, with the bark peeled off on the tree. Canker diseases are common, widespread, and destructive to a wide range of trees and shrubs. A ‘canker’ is really a symptom of an injury or are often associated with an open wound that has become infected by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Canker diseases frequently kill branches or structurally weaken a tree. The leaves on random branches wilt, turn, and then brown during the growing season. Sometimes random dead branches can be seen through the canopy.
Eutypella Canker On Maple
What's wrong with my plant? : Garden : University of Minnesota Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Maple trees have thin bark, which makes them susceptible to frost cracks, especially on the south side of the tree. Frost cracks are vertical cracks in the stems of trees. These happen when there are rapid temperature fluctuations. On warmer, sunny days in the winter, the bark will warm up, which causes the cells to expand in the bark and wood directly below the bark. Then if temperatures drop very quickly, the bark cools and contracts. The wood under the bark does not cool as quickly, causing the bark to split. There is some research indicating these frost cracks happen at sites of previous injury. These frost cracks often grow tissue over the crack, which is called callus. In the photo I see a split that may have happened in past years and has not callused over. These splits can provide access for pathogens such as fungi which can lead to decay.
Frost cracks in trees - MSU Extension
Your maple tree does appear to have a canker, with the bark peeled off on the tree. Canker diseases are common, widespread, and destructive to a wide range of trees and shrubs. A ‘canker’ is really a symptom of an injury or are often associated with an open wound that has become infected by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Canker diseases frequently kill branches or structurally weaken a tree. The leaves on random branches wilt, turn, and then brown during the growing season. Sometimes random dead branches can be seen through the canopy.
Eutypella Canker On Maple
What's wrong with my plant? : Garden : University of Minnesota Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
