Silver Maple Bark Splitting: Sunscald Diagnosis and Prevention

Cause: Sunscald (Southwest Injury)

Young, thin-barked maples are highly susceptible. In late winter, intense sun (especially reflected off snow) warms bark, activating cambium. Sudden nighttime freezing kills these tissues, causing vertical splits—usually on south/southwest sides.

Current Tree Prognosis

If bark is peeling around most of the trunk and only epicormic sprouts (from trunk, not branches) are leafing out, the tree is likely a total loss. The vascular connection between roots and canopy is severed.

If Some Canopy Remains Alive

• Carefully cut loose bark back to attached edges.
• Spray exposed wood with Merit (imidacloprid) to deter borers.
• Monitor—recovery is possible but unlikely with extensive girdling.

Prevention for Replacement Tree

• Wrap trunk with commercial tree wrap, burlap, or kraft paper November–April.
• Shade southwest side with a board or screen.
• Plant in partial shade or use light-colored trunk guards.
• Maintain vigor with proper watering and mulching.

Replace this fall if crown is dead. Sunscald is preventable with simple winter protection.