Tree trunk bark splitting

[Brian555]

Hello,

I've attached pictures of a tree from my property. As you can see the bark is splitting at the base of the trunk. I first noticed some cracks appeared after last winter around Feb 2016, and it's gotten progressively worse over the last 10 months or so. The tree appears healthy otherwise. I believe it's about 8 years old, and would hate to lose it. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from getting worse? Or can the tree recover from this on its own?

Thanks!

 

[Jed1124]

Frost cracking is common on young smooth bark trees. Wraps are available but burlap will work just as good if you have some. Make sure you take it off in the spring.

 

[Jed1124]

It looks like the tree is compartmentalizing the crack well.
It would be helpful to remove the mulch directly around the tree to expose the root flair.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Your tree is crap, planted to deep and no basal flare,, remove it and hire a pro,,should not look like a pole in the ground,,
Jeff

 

[Jed1124]

Your tree is crap, planted to deep and no basal flare,, remove it and hire a pro,,should not look like a pole in the ground,,
Jeff

Way to go easy on em jeff

 

[Brian555]

Hey guys - thanks for the quick replies. I will remove some mulch like Jed suggested and see if the root flare can be exposed. Hopefully it's just the mulch that is too high.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Hey guys - thanks for the quick replies. I will remove some mulch like Jed suggested and see if the root flare can be exposed. Hopefully it's just the mulch that is too high.

Good start,, be gentle..

 

[jefflovstrom]

Way to go easy on em jeff

Time is short,,
Jeff

 

[Jason Douglas]

Tree is def too deep, damage and decay starts below the soil/mulch line.

As I tell professional landscapers, you only get one chance to plant the tree correctly...

 

[gorman]

My perspective may be off but it seems awfully close to the house.

 

[Toronado3800]

Post a picture of where the trunk meets the soil when u pull back the mulch.