Damaged Bark on Your North Phoenix Trees? What You Should (and Should Not!) Do

It’s the middle of summer, and the Arizona sun feels like it’s been beating down mercilessly for months. Another brutal drought season has gripped North Phoenix, and you, like many homeowners, have grabbed the hose to give your trees a healthy soaking.

As you move from tree to tree, faithfully following your watering routine, you stop to inspect something that has caught your eye – damaged bark. There, on the trunk of your beloved palo verde tree, cracks mark the once smooth surface.

Damaged bark can be a concerning sight. But in this article, we will help you determine what caused the damage in the first place and what you can do to prevent this from happening to the other trees in your yard.

Key Takeaways:

• The common signs of damaged tree bark are cracks, holes, peeling, and discoloration.
• Sunburn, temperature swings, and wet soil weaken bark, making trees vulnerable in our desert climate.
• Insects like bark beetles and borers, as well as wildlife like deer and rodents, can damage tree bark.
• Proper care, mulching, pruning, and selecting suitable trees can significantly reduce the risk of tree bark damage.
• Trees have a built-in defense to fight off pests and disease, making painting of wounds an unnecessary (and harmful) practice.

Recognizing Damaged Tree Bark

Bark damage can be caused by a variety of culprits, from the sun to hungry insects. Since the texture of tree bark varies depending on the tree species, it can be difficult to differentiate what’s normal and what’s not.

Here are some common signs of bark damage to watch out for:

• Cracks: These can vary in size and depth. Shallow cracks are usually a minor cosmetic issue, but deeper cracks that expose the inner wood can be a more serious concern.
• Holes: Holes are typically the result of insects or animals. The shape and pattern of the holes help us determine who the culprit is.
• Peeling bark: Some trees, like sycamores and paperbark varieties, naturally shed their outer bark layer. However, excessive peeling that exposes large patches of inner bark indicates a bigger problem.
• Discoloration: Healthy bark typically has a consistent color and texture. Unusual browning, blackening, or softening of the bark can indicate various problems.

Causes of Tree Bark Damage in North Phoenix

Just like our skin protects us from the outside world, a tree’s bark is its first line of defense against the harsh desert climate and potential threats. Unfortunately, various factors can damage this vital protective layer, leaving your trees vulnerable. Here are some of the most common causes of damage to tree bark in North Phoenix.

1. Weather

The weather in Arizona is one of the most challenging things for trees to endure. That’s because the scorching sun can cause sunscald, leading to cracks and peeling, especially on young trees or those that have been recently pruned.

Dramatic temperature swings, usually seen in the fall or spring, can also cause the bark to shrink and crack, leaving the inner wood vulnerable.

2. Pesky Invaders: Borers & Beetles

Insects like bark beetles and wood borers are unwelcome guests in your trees. These destructive pests tunnel beneath the bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and weakening the tree’s overall health. Look for small holes in the bark as potential entry or exit points.

3. Hungry Wildlife

Speaking of nature’s antics, some of our furry and not-so-furry neighbors can also cause significant damage to tree bark. Deer rub their antlers on tree trunks, small (and not so small!) rodents gnaw on bark to expose the sap underneath that provides hydration, and woodpeckers create holes in the bark when searching for insects.

4. Disease & Fungal Infections

Fungal diseases, like sooty canker, can wreak havoc on tree bark. These diseases cause the bark to become discolored and develop sunken areas. The affected bark may eventually crack or peel away, leaving the inner wood exposed and vulnerable to further damage.

5. Mechanical Damage

Our well-intentioned efforts to maintain a beautiful landscape can sometimes backfire and harm our trees. For example, improper pruning techniques, like making large, jagged cuts can leave open wounds that are great entry points for insects and disease.

Similarly, careless use of lawn equipment, such as weed whackers and lawnmowers can easily damage the bark on the lower trunk.

6. Chemical Exposure

Improper application of herbicides or other chemicals can injure the bark and surrounding tissues. If the chemicals are mixed incorrectly, they create a potent solution that damages the bark upon contact. Alternatively, overspray or direct application of these herbicides to the tree’s trunk or root flare can also injure the bark and surrounding tissue.

How to Save a Tree from Damaged Bark

Have you ever heard the saying, “A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it?” The best way to save your tree from damaged bark is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here’s what you can do:

• Give Your Tree a Little TLC: Proper care is essential. This means fertilizing according to your tree’s specific needs and ensuring it receives adequate water, especially during Arizona’s hot, dry periods.
• Add Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your tree (but keep it a few inches away from the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, discourage weed growth, and create a buffer zone to prevent accidental damage from lawn equipment.
• Prune Regularly: Prune your trees during the dormant season (typically late fall or winter). This promotes healthy growth and removes dead or diseased branches that could harbor pests.
• Install Protective Barriers: Consider installing tree guards, fencing, or wire mesh around young trees or those vulnerable to animal damage. These barriers can deter wildlife from causing unintentional harm.
• Inspect Frequently: Inspect your trees for signs of damage, pests, or disease. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
• Know Your Climate: Select trees well-suited for Arizona’s climate and soil conditions. This reduces stress on the tree and helps it thrive, making it less susceptible to damage.

What Not to Do with Damaged Bark – Don’t Paint It!

Did you know trees have their own built-in defense against pests and diseases? When a tree gets injured, it isolates the damage by forming a special layer of wood that’s both hard and alive. This layer acts like a wall, physically and chemically repelling harmful organisms from invading further. This process is called compartmentalization.

On top of that, the tree builds a protective barrier around the wound with callus tissue. This is like a scab for the tree, helping it heal and close the injury.

Understanding this natural defense system is important because of a common misconception about treating tree wounds – painting them shut! While it might seem like painting a wound would help seal it and keep out pests, it actually harms a tree in several ways:

• Suffocation and Stagnation: Paint traps moisture and prevents oxygen from reaching the wound, hindering healing, and promoting rot.
• Hidden Issues: A coat of paint can mask underlying problems, making monitoring the wound’s progress difficult.
• A False Sense of Security: Paint offers no lasting protection against pests or diseases and may even attract some insects.

From Bark to Branches – Titan Tree Care Is Here to Help

While damaged bark can be a cause for concern, the reality is that trees are incredibly resilient. By following the preventive measures outlined above and providing proper tree care, you can significantly reduce the risk of bark damage and keep your North Phoenix trees thriving for years to come.

However, if you notice extensive damage, signs of disease, or if you’re unsure about the best course of action, call Titan Tree Care at 623-444-8448 or request an estimate online. We will make sure your trees receive the expert care they deserve!