Question
My Ginko tree had a split in the bark last year that appeared bright red....that has healed over and I just noticed two other splits that seem to be healed over; are these from the cold weather (I am in Fort Wayne IN) and have had the tree approx. 3 yrs. Could these splits be the ramification of growth?  I will watch it carefully this year.  On a separate note, I have a 35' or so Pear Tree....3 yrs ago...great pears....2 yrs ago so so....last year lots of black spots on the leaves (I thought this may be due to some late frost spells; but then.....the ants attached the tree and all the fruit.  I did not use any chemicles on it.  Should I paint the base of the tree white to control the ants or put some type of spray on the tree? (some people painted the base of the trees, as I recall, in CA but I am unsure if it was to deflect the ants); Should I put plastic tubing around the trunk of the Ginko tree in the winter until it gets older and stronger?

Answer
Hi Karen:
Cold temperatures followed by intense sunlight on the bark of some thin barked trees can cause splitting. You are welcome to send me a photo if you wish, but your description sounds much suspicious of cold injury. A bit of TLC is the prescription- like good watering and fertilization to promote vigorous growth.  

On the pear, the ants themselves typically are searching for food or a good place to shackup.  They are often not the problem, but the result of something else that is going on. I have never really found out about the white paint and its purpose.  We see it here in Arkansas occasionally on pecan.  I have heard it may offer some protection from freeze injury, or may contain an insecticide, or it just looks nice when many trees in an orchard-go figure!  The plastic tubing may offer some protection. Not sure how well it works. If you use it, be sure to take it off when the spring gets here.  An enclosed area can be a great place for insect to hide- some with not-so-good intentions. A tree wrap may offer some protection.  Check in with your garden center or community arborist.

Regards

Steve