Cherry Tree Sunscald: Diagnosis and Recovery

Cherry Tree Bark peeling with deep gouges on one side of a flowering cherry indicates sunscald (southwest injury)—not disease or pests. Winter sun activates bark cells that freeze at night, killing tissue.

Recovery Steps

• Remove loose bark around wound edges
• Do NOT apply wound dressings—they trap moisture
• Fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter (fall and spring)
• Tree will gradually compartmentalize and grow over damage

Prevention for Young Trees

Wrap trunks with commercial tree wrap November-March until bark thickens. Your mature tree is too large for wrapping—focus on health maintenance instead. Sunscald rarely kills established trees but creates entry points for secondary issues.

Why It Occurs

• Thin-barked species (cherry, maple, fruit trees) most susceptible
• Southwest exposure gets maximum winter sun
• Rapid temperature drops after sunny days cause cell rupture

Your tree's prognosis is good with basic care. The wound will callus over time.