Why does apple tree bark crack and peel off: is it possible to save the tree

Rarely will a gardener ignore the appearance of cracks in the bark of a fruit tree. There are few reasons for this. All of them lead to a drop in yield, and some to the death of the tree.

Let's figure out what could have caused the cracks and peeling of the bark, and whether the tree can be saved.

Causes of cracks

All of this is a sure sign of fungal infection, cancer, bacterial growth, pest attacks, damping off or burns.

It is difficult to cure only cancer. It is possible only if the disease is detected at an early stage.

1. Fungus develops from dampness, and also if the gardener ignores treatments. To combat it, fungicides and Bordeaux mixture are used.

2. Cancer can be black, as well as open or European. In the first case, the disease progresses rapidly, and within 3-4 years the tree will die if it is not treated. The cause of the disease is frost cracks and other wounds. In this case, the trunk is covered with brown depressions and a dark coating.

The second disease progresses more slowly, manifests itself as growths and bumps of a reddish hue, affects the trunk, skeletal branches, and often makes itself known during a thaw.

3. Cytosporosis – causes branches to dry out; infection often occurs in the fall.

4. Bacterial burn is a disease in which a whitish sticky liquid begins to ooze from cracks in the bark. If left untreated, the tree will die in 2-3 years.

5. Frost cracks, sunburn and damping off are all consequences of improper preparation of the tree for winter.

6. Among the pests, such consequences can be caused by bark beetles, wood-boring butterflies, and bark beetles.

How to treat an apple tree

The affected areas need to be disinfected, cleaned, treated with potassium permanganate (peroxide, brilliant green). Then the bark is covered with garden pitch, covered with burlap or other thick fabric on top.

• Related news:
• apple
• care
• board
• country house
• diseases
• 17 February 2023

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