ASH TREE VERTICAL SPLITS IN BARK

[Colorado contractor]

Please help. My ash tree has been fine for 12 years.

2 years ago I planted boxwood and build a retaining wall ring with paver around the ash tree. This year several of the boxwood died (please see pic) and now there are vertical splits in the bark.

I had Davey's tree expert out a month ago. He said it's not ash bored and pointed out there are no holes (not even any really small ones). He said he would leave it alone and let the tree do its thing naturally.

The cracks are getting worse. I'm concerned to the point I've been putting plastic over the area of missing bark so water doesn't get in there.

I've called for a second opinion with another company but it's going to be over a month till they can come out here. I'm not sure the tree can wait.

 

[Colorado contractor]

Sorry here are the pics

 

[ATH]

Pull some of the loose bark off so we can see under there. Don't cover it, that doesn't help.

Take away the retaining wall and pull the soil back so the root flare of the tree is not buried.

 

[Colorado contractor]

Ok will do. I will get some better pictures in the morning. I was thinking of removing the boxwood and soil. Is it ok for the sprinkler to hit the area that has no bark now? Does it need a coating or tar on the exposed area? Thanks for the help.

 

[ATH]

Don't coat it with anything. If you can, I'd redirect the sprinkler, but not a huge deal of it gets a little spray 2 mornings a week...

 

[Raintree]

Old trunk wound, best advice pull off loose bark and leave it alone.