Tree Bark Looks Burnt?
Ever noticed your tree’s bark looking like it’s been through a fire, even when you know it hasn’t?
Don’t worry, you’re not seeing things. There are actually a bunch of reasons why tree bark looks burnt, and it’s not always as bad as it seems.
In this post, I’ll go over the 3 main reasons why your tree bark is turning black and what to do.
Sunburn Or Sunscald
First up, we’ve got sunburn. Yep, trees can get sunburned too!
This usually happens when trees suddenly get exposed to a lot of sunlight. Maybe you went a bit overboard with pruning, or there were some big changes in the area around the tree.
The tree’s sensitive inner layer (the cambium) can get damaged by too much heat, making it look all scorched.
This is pretty common in trees that have just been pruned or been dealing with some crazy weather.
Also Read: Can You Cut One Trunk of a River Birch?
Fungal Infections
Next on the list are fungal infections. There are a few types that can make tree bark look burnt:
- Verticillium wilt
- Steganosporium Ovatum
- Root rot
- Sooty mold
- Fungal cankers
One of the most common ones is Verticillium wilt, which really likes to pick on maple trees.
This fungus lives in the soil and gets into the tree through its roots. It then spreads through the tree’s water transport system.
As it grows, it blocks water and nutrients from moving around, causing branches to wilt and die. The bark might develop dark streaks or patches, giving it that burnt look.
If you see leaves wilting and branches dying off too, that’s a big clue.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria can also make tree barks look burnt.
For example, there’s a condition called fire blight. It’s caused by a bacteria (named Erwinia amylovora) and it loves to attack apple trees and their relatives.
Also Read: Can You Top A Holly Tree?
It leaves black marks on the bark and can spread to leaves and fruits too.
You might even see some sticky liquid and small bumps on the bark – these are signs the infection is getting worse.
The infection can spread quickly, especially when it’s warm and wet, and it can kill the whole tree if you don’t treat it.
What To Do If Tree Bark Looks Burnt?
So, your tree bark looks black. What’s the next step? Here’s what you should:
#1 Identify The Cause
First, you need to figure out what’s going on. Take a close look at the affected areas.
Pay attention to where the discoloration is – if it’s mostly on one side of the tree, it might be sunscald. If it’s all over, it could be an infection.
Check the leaves and branches too. Are they wilting or dying?
For fungal infections, look for mushrooms or shelf-like growths on the trunk or roots. If you think it might be fire blight, look for young branches that are bent over at the tip, like a shepherd’s crook.
If you’re not sure, try taking some clear, close-up photos of the problem areas. You can show these to someone at a local garden center or call your local extension office for help.
#2 Apply Treatments Depending On The Issue
Once you know what’s causing the problem, you can start treating it.
Sunburns
If it’s sunscald, you can protect the tree by wrapping the trunk with light-colored tree wrap or painting it with white latex paint mixed with some water.
This helps reflect sunlight and keeps the trunk cooler.
But don’t do that for areas that are damaged already. Do this instead.
It’s also a good idea to gradually trim the tree over time so it can get used to more sun.
Fungal Infections
For fungal infections like Verticillium wilt or Steganosporium Ovatum, there’s no real cure.
But you can help manage it. Cut off any dead or dying branches, and make sure to clean your tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts.
Try to keep the tree healthy by giving it enough water and fertilizer.
Sometimes, tree experts can inject fungicides into the tree, but that’s not something you should try on your own.
Bacterial Infections
For bacterial infections like fire blight, cut off infected branches, making your cuts at least 12 inches below where you see damage.
Again, clean your tools between cuts.
In bad cases, you might need to use antibiotic sprays, but these have to be applied at specific times and often need a professional to do it right.
#3 Monitor For Signs Of Stress
After you’ve done the treatments, keep a close eye on your tree. Look for new growth, changes in the leaves, and how the bark’s looking.
Taking better care of your tree can help it recover and prevent future problems.
Make sure it’s getting enough water, especially when it’s dry out. Put some mulch around it to keep moisture in and help control the soil temperature.
And don’t forget about the soil – keeping it healthy can make a big difference.
Also Read: Hardest Wood To Split By Hand
When To Call An Arborist
If your tree’s not getting better even after you’ve tried to help, or if you’re just not sure what’s going on, it might be time to call in an arborist.
These tree experts can give your tree a thorough check-up, figure out exactly what’s wrong, and suggest treatments. They know many techniques that most of us don’t
Getting their help early on could be the difference between saving your tree and losing it.
