The apple tree's bark is cracking, it's time to save it.

Apple bark necrosis is the result of pest activity, certain diseases, and gardener errors. Any signs of this condition require a detailed inspection of the tree. An objective assessment of the apple tree's health will help preserve the harvest.

There's no reason to worry if the bark cracking is localized. In most cases, the problem will resolve itself. The situation is more complex if the necrotic areas continually spread. Failure to address this will result in the tree's death.

Clinical manifestations

Botanists have identified several negative factors that trigger this pathology. They have been divided into internal and external:

• pest activity;
• sunburn;
• cold burn;
• rodent activity;
• the appearance of fungal spores.

Gardeners must distinguish physiological bark cracking from natural bark cracking. The latter is a process observed after winter. Small areas of the apple tree's upper layer, which have dried out, can be easily torn off. Beneath them is healthy wood.

Frostbreaker	Sunburn
The color of the bark does not change.	The bark turns uniformly red.
The tree's cambium turns brown with a distinct rusty tint.	The cambium has a uniform red hue.

 

If pests are the cause of the problem, a colony of insects can be easily seen under the cracked bark. Once the culprit is identified, treatment should begin.

Practical recommendations

Botanists recommend gardeners pay attention to preventative measures. Every spring, they conduct a detailed inspection of every branch and trunk. Even the slightest crack should be addressed as quickly as possible. The simplest method is to first remove the damaged area and then cover it with pitch. In addition to a visual inspection, a palpation is also performed. This aims to detect potential sources of trouble at an early stage. More extensive damage is treated with a mixture. The recipe is as follows:

• 1 kg of fresh ash;
• 1 kg of clay;
• mix everything;
• apply a thin layer to the damaged area;
• cover with 1 layer of burlap.

A different course of action is recommended if cracking and peeling of the bark is observed at the base of large branches. Gardeners should be aware that in 9 out of 10 cases, disease or fungus is the culprit. Until a diagnosis is made, no action is recommended. Fungus will reveal a characteristic white "fluff" under the damaged area. Rot is a sign of disease. To heal the affected area, you will need the following solution:

• 400 g of resin;
• 100 g paraffin;
• 100 g of animal fat.

Mix the listed ingredients in a deep container. Then, apply the mixture to the affected area. Finish by wrapping the trunk with a layer of burlap.

Treatment of areas affected by fungus

The key to success is promptness and precision in dosage. If the bark peeling and cracking is caused by fungal activity, a 2% copper sulfate solution should be purchased. Apply the solution to the affected area using a brush. The next step is to use the recipe above to prevent further spread of the disease.

Age-related features of treatment

Botanical research has established a correlation between the age of the apple tree and the most effective method for restoring bark integrity. Young trees should be treated as follows:

1. Promptly remove all areas of dead bark.
2. Apply the var. to the affected area.
3. Large damages must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate.
4. The next step is to cover the affected area with a cloth previously soaked in Cytovit or Zircon.
5. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Dry the injured area in the sun.
6. Treat the surface with a mixture used for sealing stove joints. This can be purchased at a hardware store.
7. In the case where there are small wounds on a young apple tree, they are treated with a mixture based on wax (100 g) and animal fat (100 g).

The top of the apple tree is coated with white paint to reduce the damaging effects of sunlight. In the spring, the previously applied surface is removed. The sealed area should be treated with a clay solution. With the arrival of winter, the affected area should be wrapped in several layers of light-colored cloths. Polyethylene will help reduce the negative impact of cold on the wound. The integrity of the tree bark on an old apple tree can be restored as follows:

• 100% removal of damaged bark areas;
• small growths should be removed using a soft brush;
• treat damaged areas with a 1% solution of ferrous sulfate;
• Dry the affected area in the sun for 5-6 hours.

Treat the affected area with garden whitewash. All treatments should only be performed in dry weather.

Elimination of the consequences of thermal burns

During winter, sudden thaws are common, which can have adverse effects on the tree. Summer can also present numerous problems. Excessive sun exposure can cause the bark to crack. In both cases, a specific course of action is necessary:

Cold	Heat
Treat the affected area with a mixture of 1 part lime, 3 parts clay and 1 part manure.	Promptly remove affected areas of bark. Apply a 1:1 mixture of wax and lard to the treated area.
For more severe cases, prepare a putty. Mix 300g of manure, 200g of fatty clay, and the same amount of finishing putty. Bring the mixture to the consistency of thick sour cream.	If the bark of an old apple tree has numerous affected areas, the gardener prepares a mixture of rosin (13%), wax (17%), and nigrol (70%). Apply the mixture once a day.

Regardless of the cause of bark cracking, after treatment, the gardener carefully monitors the apple trees' response. If fruiting does not begin, the tree must be destroyed.

Their list is as follows:

• "Mal Bagaevsky";
• "Jonathan";
• "Papering";
• "Alva".

Planting varieties should be selected based on the region's climate. This information is provided on the packaging.

https://youtu.be/RLvDzEbDN-Q

Cracked apple tree bark can be the result of gardener errors, thermal burns, fungal infections, or pest activity. Each case requires a specific course of treatment. Don't rush to conclusions, but don't delay either. Regular visual and manual inspection of the trunk and branches will help detect any impending problems early. All affected areas of bark should be removed immediately.