Weeping Willow Bark Separation: Cold Injury, Not Insects

4-yr weeping willow (N. MN): 4" wide bark separation, 4 ft up trunk, extending to branch junction. Black/red ants present; no termites/other bugs.

Diagnosis

Cold injury (frost crack/sunscald). Ants secondary—exploiting crack, not causing it.

No magic fix. Tree may ultimately succumb.

Expert insight provided by Steve.

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