Dogwood Trunk Splitting: Sunscald vs. Frost Crack Care

Diagnosis: Sunscald

Split trunk on young dogwood after drought indicates sunscald (winter injury), not frost crack. South/west exposure, bark peeling, trunk splitting match sunscald pattern.

Understanding the Damage

• Winter sun thaws inner bark cells
• Night freeze ruptures cells
• Spring reveals sunken, discolored area
• Fungus can enter cracks
• Common on thin-barked trees: dogwood, maple, linden

Management

1. Remove loose bark - clean wound edges
2. NO wound paint - traps moisture
3. Borer prevention - spray Merit insecticide on wound
4. Fertilize - 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter
5. Mulch - 3 inches organic, not touching trunk
6. Remove flowers around base - digging damages shallow roots
7. Winter wrap - tree wrap paper each fall until bark roughens

Outlook

Cracks often close in summer, reopen in winter. Rarely kill tree. Maintain vigor, prevent borers, and monitor.