Years ago we pruned some Red Del in December with similar injury that
followed on larger trees. We stapled the bark tight on both sides and the
trees recovered but with a permanent seam where the bark had split. The
trees were about 12 in diameter.
Art Kelly
Kelly Orchards
Acton, ME
On Sun,
Greg,
You could use the rule of thumb for canker surgery and if more than a 1/3 of
the circumference is interrupted, likely nothing you can do. But if less than
1/3, try to cut the dead bark away using a straight linoleum cut so there is
no shelter (under the split bark) that will attract
I would think apples and pears have a better chance of recovering than peaches
or other tender fruit. It depends on how deep the split goes as well. In severe
cold I have seen trees split deep into the heartwood, but its more common to
see the only the bark to the cambium.
Before trunk
Thanks to all those who responded to my email. Yes, for SWI (and most things in
orchard systems), an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For those
who missed it, there was a long discussion on trunk painting last year:
