Tree frost crack

Some nights, the air becomes cooler, the temperature drops. As a result, the cambium layer and bark become damaged. Learning how to help your cracked tree and preventing frost cracks is the first step. Instead of applying fertilizer too early, wait until the leaves fall off the tree. Waiting to put fertilizer on your tree can help avoid frost cracks. The mulch acts as a barrier around the base.

A professional will assess the damaged tree and explain the next course of action. Severe damage causes the infected tree to lean and fall over. If a cracked tree is left untreated, someone could get hurt. A professional will help you learn what you need to do.

For more articles like this, visit our website and learn about our services , like tree pruning and removal. Thanks for helping me understand that damages in the cambium layer are a tree scald and not a crack. With that in mind, I should contact a professional to assess the issues in the trees on our property. It might be more than a crack. A sudden drop in temperature usually at night causes the bark to shrink, while the inside of the tree takes longer to cool down and contract.

As a result, the bark rips and the wood below it splits — making a loud cracking sound as it happens. Most often, the tree will heal itself. The crack has injured the tree however, and makes it more susceptible to fungi and insects, so be diligent with pruning, watering, and other tree care plans to ensure that your tree maintains its health.

February 21, Category: Seasonal Tips: Winter. The Michigan State University Extension garden hotline has received calls on frost cracks over the winter. Homeowners contacting the hotline at were concerned on what they could do to help their trees. Once cracks have occurred in the bark, there is not much that can be done.

As weather warms, these cracks close over, but can still be an entry point for decay fungi and also insects. Smart Gardening practices that focus on maintaining plant vigor such as watering during droughty conditions, alleviating compacted soils and fertilizing trees that have poor growth can help to prolong the life of the damaged trees.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Frost cracks in trees. Did you find this article useful? Please tell us why Submit. Learn More. Check out the Forestry B.