Question
QUESTION: I own 2 potted palm trees since Fall 2001. They lived in Virginia for 4 years, including being in a hurricane. Then we moved to Buffalo, NY. In the winter they are inside with direct sunlight from a window. I put them outside in the sun during the summer. They have thrived all these years and have been repotted with new soil for about a year. I have moved to a new location that is more windy than previous apartment. I've noticed since I put them outside that the bark/trunks have small cracks in it and some pealing. The palms are still green with little shedding. Could I be over watering, or perhaps is it the wind cracking it? I hope it is not some sort of virus/bug etc. I am quite attached to these palms. Any help is appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi Jessica, can you give me a more detailed description of these "cracks" so I can better help you? thanks Nick:)

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QUESTION: It's like when a maple tree's bark cracks. There seems to be no pattern, and they are on smaller stalks as well as the larger base. I just noticed them about a week ago. The cracks are less than an inch long and go north/south. There are also spots on the branch that seem to be "peeling" the skin. I searched the internet and learned that they aren't palms, they are Madagascar Dragon Trees. I can take digital photos of the cracks and send them to you if that helps. Thanks for all your help.

Answer
Jessica, I don't really know what this affliction is, but the main thing is that the Dracaena is healthy; this is the tale of the tape, if the plant is not declining in any way, then I would not be too concerned, it could just be a surface abnormality. I can't see it, because there is no way on this site to see any attachments from the questioners. Watch your plant, and if it begins to show problems, then get back to me, and I will do all I can to help you out with it, but for now, just the health of the plant itself is paramount and it seems to be fine. Nick