Question
Japanese Maple
I bought a beautiful Japanese Maple last year and it seems to be doing well. The other day I noticed that the bark seems to be peeling in one area and the inside is softer than the rest. I'm wondering what could be happening. The rest of the tree looks healthy and the leaves are starting to come out.
AnswerLooks like sunscald. Young maples are particularly susceptible to sunscald. Sunscald is basically a bark injury and the tree will usually quickly recover. Sunscald or sunburn occurs in late winter when the sun is bright ?especially if new snow is on the ground. Sunscald usually occurs on the south or southwest side of a tree. Thin bark on the tree is warmed enough to become active. When temperatures fall sharply at night, the inner living bark is killed. Thin-barked trees such as maple are most susceptible, especially when young.
Control: Sunscald on newly planted trees may be prevented by wrapping the trunks with burlap, kraft paper or special tree wraps. Trunks may also be shaded on the south and west side with boards or screens. The tree wrap can be found at most nurseries.
The fresh wound could be an attractant for an insect called a borer. Watch the wound area for boring dust or holes. If these are seen spray the wound area with an insecticide called Merit this will protect the wound.
