How to Fix Bark Splits

Proper treatment of bark splits can encourage faster healing.

Splits in tree bark can be caused by extreme temperature changes, frost, sunscald or the natural growth of the tree. Small splits and peeling of the bark are natural, but larger and more severe splits may occur. Removing bark around more serious splits will activate the cambium layer of the tree and encourage the wound to callus over and heal faster. It is important to treat the splits in the correct manner in order to be helpful instead of causing more damage.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured alcohol
• Water
• Bowl
• Wooden stick
• Knife
• Towel

Instructions

1. Create a sterilizing solution by mixing 7 parts denatured alcohol with 3 parts water. Pour the ingredients into a large bowl and stir briefly with a wooden stick. Discard the stick afterwards.

2. Dip the blade of a sharp knife into the sterilizing solution. Make sure the entire blade is covered by the mixture. Leave the blade to soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the knife blade from the solution and dry completely with a clean towel.

3. Insert the knife blade into the tree bark, 1 inch above and 1/2 to 1 inch to the left of the left side of the split. Draw the knife downward through the bark alongside the split. Move the knife slowly to ensure that the blade cuts through the bark no more than 1/2 to 1 inch away from the split. Stop the cut 1 inch below the split and remove the knife blade from the bark.

4. Sterilize the knife blade once more by dipping it in the bowl. Hold the blade under the surface of the solution for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the knife and dry the blade completely with the towel.

5. Make a second cut in the tree bark along the right side of the split. Start 1 inch above the split and 1/2 to 1 inch to the right of it. Move the knife downward through the bark to make a smooth and even cut. Do not cut more than 1/2 to 1 inch away from the split. End the cut 1 inch below the split.

6. Sterilize the knife a third time in the same manner. Cut across the bottom and top of your cuts to connect them. Peel the cut portion of bark from around both sides of the split. Discard the removed pieces of bark.

7. Dip the towel in the sterilizing solution and dab it over the area where the bark was removed. Wait a few seconds, then dry the area with the dry portion of the towel. Leave the area to heal on its own. Water the tree thoroughly during times of drought or high heat and apply spring applications of fertilizer to keep the tree healthy as it heals.

References

• University of Tennessee Extension; Bark Splitting on Trees; Jennifer Franklin, et al.; 2004
• University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners: Bark Splitting
• Province of Manitoba; Winter Sunscald and Frost Cracking; Philip Northover