Have you noticed unsightly cracks or peeling bark on your tree? Splitting tree bark isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can be a sign of deeper problems that could compromise your tree’s health and stability. Proper tree care is an essential part of home maintenance, and understanding the causes and solutions to bark damage is critical to protecting your landscape.
This post will explore the common causes of splitting tree bark, from environmental factors and pests to diseases and physical damage. You’ll also learn how to identify problems, take preventative action, and know when to call in professional tree services. Whether you’re caring for a maple, oak, birch, willow, or ash, this guide will help you protect your trees and your home’s curb appeal.

Common Causes of Splitting Tree Bark
Tree bark splitting can result from a variety of causes. Identifying the root of the issue is key to determining how to resolve it.
1. Environmental Factors
Extreme weather conditions, such as temperature fluctuations or prolonged drought, put trees under stress. When water is scarce, trees struggle to maintain internal moisture levels, which can lead to cracking bark. On the other hand, sudden rain after extended dry spells can cause rapid water absorption, resulting in pressure and splitting.
Prevention Tips:
- Water trees regularly during dry periods, focusing on deep watering.
- Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
2. Sunscald
Young or thin-barked trees are particularly vulnerable to sunscald. During sunny winter days, the bark warms up and expands. When temperatures drop rapidly at night, the bark contracts too quickly and splits.
Prevention Tips:
- Wrap tree trunks with tree guards or white reflective wraps during winter months.
- Plant shade-compatible species in areas with strong winter sunlight.
3. Frost Cracks
Frost cracks occur when freezing temperatures cause the wood beneath the bark to contract, leading to sudden splits. This often happens during late winter or early spring.
Prevention Tips:
- Select climate-appropriate species to reduce weather-related stress.
- Avoid fertilizing in late fall, as this encourages new growth susceptible to freezing.
4. Physical Damage
Mechanical impacts from lawnmowers, gardening tools, or even improper pruning can lead to injuries that weaken the bark and create openings for pests and infections.
Prevention Tips:
- Be cautious when operating equipment near trees.
- Use tree guards to protect vulnerable trunks.
- Prune trees correctly during their dormant season.
5. Diseases and Pests
Tree bark diseases such as Oak Wilt or pests like bark beetles and Emerald Ash borers can cause peeling, cracks, and splits in bark. These issues not only damage trees but also create pathways for further infection.
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect trees routinely for holes, mildew, discoloration, or sawdust-like frass.
- Apply appropriate pesticides or fungicides to manage outbreaks.
- Contact a certified arborist if signs of infestation or disease appear.
6. Rapid Growth
Excessive growth, often caused by over-fertilization, places stress on the bark as it stretches to accommodate the expanding trunk and branches.
Prevention Tips:
- Use fertilizer sparingly and focus on slow-release products.
- Prune your tree to encourage a balanced growth pattern.
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Identifying the Cause of Tree Bark Splitting
If your tree is showing signs of damage, investigating the cause is your first step toward a solution. Here’s how to inspect your tree:
Location and Pattern of Splits:
- Horizontal splits often suggest physical damage or insect activity.
- Vertical splits are usually the result of environmental factors like frost cracks or rapid growth.
Timing:
- Winter cracks point to frost or sunscald.
- Summer splits could signal drought stress.
Presence of Pests or Diseases:
- Look for boreholes, sap seepage, fungal growth, or discoloration.
If you’re unable to determine the cause, consulting a professional tree service is advisable.
Prevention and Treatment
Taking preventative measures is vital to protecting your trees. However, if damage has already occurred, here are some steps to treat and support recovery:
Preventative Care
- Watering & Mulching: Ensure trees receive consistent and deep watering, especially during droughts, and apply mulch to protect roots.
- Tree Guards: Protect young and thin-barked species with wraps or guards during winter.
- Pruning: Perform regular, proper pruning to promote balanced and healthy growth.
Treatment for Minor Splits
1. Cleaning and Sanitizing:
- Remove loose bark gently with a soft brush.
- Clean the wound with a mild fungicidal solution to prevent infections.
2. Wound Dressing:
- For larger splits, apply a thin layer of tree wound dressing to shield exposed areas.
3. Monitor Recovery:
- Regularly check the treated area for signs of healing or additional damage.
- Provide adequate water and nutrients.
4. Consult Experts:
- When in doubt, reach out to a certified arborist to ensure the tree receives the care it needs.
When to Call a Professional Tree Service
While minor cracks can often be treated at home, severe damage requires professional expertise. Call an arborist if you notice:
- Extensive peeling or splitting across large sections of the trunk.
- Signs of tree disease or insect infestation, such as frass, fungal growth, or dying branches.
- Structural instability, such as leaning or cracking roots.
A professional can assess the situation, determine if the tree can be saved, and recommend long-term solutions.
Final Thoughts
Tree health plays an essential role in maintaining the safety, aesthetics, and value of your property. From understanding common causes of bark damage to treating and preventing it, proactive care is essential.
If you’re noticing signs of splitting tree bark, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Contact Timberland Tree Care today for a consultation. We’ll help you restore your tree’s health and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.
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