Question
I have a coral bark maple that has been shedding it's bark at the base. I thought at first it was deer rubbing but it has continued. The foliage is great and the branches look good. It does form a pedicule (?) at the edges of the peeling bark. I have used an anti-borer product. What do you think and how often should I use the product if it is bores? Thanks

Answer
Cracks and splits in tree trunks are fairly common and may occur for various reasons, but are usually not a significant threat to the tree. Typically, there's not much you can do about them once they occur.


It could be borers or it could be sunscald. Insecticides will kill the borer in the trunk. Borers attack tress under stress so i would also fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Apply the fertilizer just before a rain storm and you will not need to water.


Young maples are particularly susceptible to sunscald. Sunscald is basically a bark injury and the tree will usually quickly recover.  Sunscald or sunburn occurs in late winter when the sun is bright ?especially if new snow is on the ground. Sunscald usually occurs on the south or southwest side of a tree. Thin bark on the tree is warmed enough to become active. When temperatures fall sharply at night, the inner living bark is killed. Thin-barked trees such as maple are most susceptible, especially when young.

Control: Sunscald on newly planted trees may be prevented by wrapping the trunks with burlap, kraft paper or special tree wraps. Trunks may also be shaded on the south and west side with boards or screens. The tree wrap can be found at most nurseries.  

The fresh wound could be an attractant for borers. Watch the wound area for boring dust or holes. If these are seen spray the wound area with an insecticide called Merit this will protect the wound. The fertilizer will also help the tree by increase the bark area.