bark splitting on mulberry tree

[cdducky]

I have two Mulberry trees that have teh bark splitting on them. They have no branches that have fallen or dying leaves on the ground. The trunk is not split or cracked only the bark.

Any ideas. I am in Central California and the trees are approximately 10 years old.

Thank you.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

It sounds like nothing to worry about, but a picture would surely help.
Mulberry trees have a smooth bark when they are young, and as they mature the bark becomes rough and furrowed. In the transition the bark cracks to allow for increased diameter of the tree as it grows.
Lightnig damage can also cause cracks, so this is another possibility. These cracks are usually pretty severe and run from the impact point(s) to the ground.

 

[cdducky]

Hi,

Thank you for responding. I don't have a camera but it is not lightening damage. When it is cracking should the bark be lifted off the tree and there be a gap between the tree limb and the bark. The bark has fallen off parts of the tree. Will it grow back?

I will try to borrow a camera.

Thank you,

Carol

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Ok, I have another guess, it could be a fungal trunk canker.

There's a picture of one on a honeylocust at this site if you click on trunk:
http://www.hgic.umd.edu/diagn/shade/cankers.html

A picture would remove some of the guesswork.