JM has new open cut/split on trunk

11 years ago

My Fireglow JM (about 9-10ft tall) has been planted now for just over a couple of weeks... I've been really babying it and checking out the limbs and leaves on a daily basis. I noticed this cut on the trunk (about 2-3 inches long) and I don't think it was there when we planted it. I know that maples have a tendency to split and that sometimes its ok and sometimes its not... we have "regular" maples in our front yard that have these splits running up and down the bark that have healed over the years. Do you guys think this split area is something I should worry about or is it no big deal? I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to ensure that the tree isn't harmed by bugs etc via this open spot on the trunk.

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

11 years ago

LOL! Have you been examining this new tree with a magnifying glass? Seriously, I doubt I would have noticed something as insignificant as this small blemish. I'm not sure what the cause is........various possibilities come to mind but none that I would be overly concerned about. I might be inclined to keep an eye on it to see if it morphs into something more than it is now but I seriously doubt it is anything to worry about.

And stop babying the tree. JM's are far more resilient and tough than many realize and the only "daily checking" I would do is with regards to need to water. Can't see the base of the tree so unable to visualize if it was planted correctly, which would be my only other concern.

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Comments (9)

Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
11 years ago
Bumping this back up... Has anyone seen anything like this on their JM? I've tried to search previous posts but I'm not sure exactly to call this issue my tree has.
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sequoiadendron_4
11 years ago
My guess is that it split due to an impact. Either that or it is splitting as a result of growing and stretching bark. In both cases, it's not a big deal and something the tree will callous over in a season or less. You may want continue to monitor it in case something further develops like leaking sap or insects.
jean001a
11 years ago
Appears as if it was battered in the spot. (Notice the scuffs on the bark to each side of the crack.)

Even so, nothing you can do about it other than wait for the tree to take care of it naturally.
maurice jaeger
11 years ago
i also have a maple w/a split that is leaking sap and the bark is peeling off the base of the tree,should i worry?
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks to all of you for the replies! And yes, I was inspecting the tree incredibly closely to find that spot on the trunk! I'll try not to baby it so much in the future! I just really want this tree to be happy & healthy! ;-) Sounds like I'm talking about a child, I know.
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Hi everybody! I'm updating with a new picture of the wound... (tree has been in planted for about 2 months now) The split ended up opening up more, but it appears to be healing over. All of that brown part is hard wood so I hope that is a good thing.

I asked our local nursery about this wound and they suggested trimming a small bit of the bark away so that the wound has a smoother edge and isn't jagged. They said it would heal better if it had smooth edges... does anyone have experience doing that? I don't want to make anything worse. :)
CEFreeman_GW DC/MD Burbs 7b/8a
11 years ago
Oh, man. I have lots of those types of things. They look sometimes like ulcers, too. A JM person who came this spring told me to watch for signs of fungal stuff ("stuff" is a technical term) and for infestations. My larger trees, other types of red maples, all show signs of borers.
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
11 years ago
I'm thankful for no borers! The nursery that I got this from has lost some trees due to borers, but this was well after I purchased mine.