Autumn Blaze Maple splitting: Is this normal?

8 years ago

So, I've noticed an unusual amount of splitting alongside my maple tree this season. I'm unsure if this is normal or something happening below the surface that's causing it. The actual maple itself appears to be doing well but when I planted it 6 years ago, I basically stuck the plant in a hole in the ground. I didn't try and spread out the roots or even make the hole 2-3x bigger. I never knew all the details that went into planting a potted tree.

Anyways, here's the tree:

I pushed away the dirt around the base to make sure I didn't notice any roots squeezing the trunk. I didn't see any at the surface.

There also appears to be 3 large, solid roots that shoot fast away from the tree near the base.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Featured Answer

Huggorm

8 years ago

Agree, that's the first signs of bark getting mature. The tree looks very healthy to me.

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Comments (6)

Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The regular tree forum gets tons more traffic.

My generic acer rubrum might be a year or two older than yours. Starting at its base are similar cracks I have been assuming are the start of real bark forming.

these seem prone to some similar looking issues. When mine was attacked by deer the wounds were more jagged and higher up. I really doubt that tallest one is sunscald. Not much to do now anyways if it is....its just soo long and straight....one strip though. Odd.
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Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks, that's helpful and reassuring.
Mike McGarvey
8 years ago
I totally agree with huggorm.
Mike
Liz Gilbert
8 years ago
I have the same thing on mine- 2 huge and healthy trees, planted in 2007 that are now about 30' tall. I believe it is just the process of the bark maturing, possibly after a season of heavy rainfall in my case. It started 2 years ago and the trees are fine and no sign of anything to worry about :)
scorpgirl24
8 years ago
Yup...my Autumn Blaze has many splits in the bark and it is spectacular. Maybe 40 ft tall and planted in 2006! Your tree looks good to me too! :)