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Cracks and splits from previous injury
This
tree was injured several years ago above the section shown in this photo. Injury
could have been from an incorrect pruning cut, topping cut, root cutting, drought,
lightning, root damage or other events. A crack developed along the barrier
zone formed along the cambium. A radial crack developed out to the bark resulting
in the crease shown in the left photo. Solutions: Cracks can not be fixed. Once a crack is formed it will always
be there. Prevent cracks by planting trees correctly, providing good tree care, and by not damaging the trunk
and branches. Trees with cracks could be pruned to remove the branch with a crack, or the tree can be reduced if the trunk is cracked. A case can be made for removing trees with cracks if they pose a high risk to the site.
More on cracks
Crease or split resulting from previous trunk injury |
The crease developed because there was an injury to the trunk several years ago. The ring crack seen along the growth ring developed along the barrier zone. A second crack formed from the ring crack and extended out to the bark. |
