The arrival of spring may show a vertical ‘split-like’ wound in the bark on the west or southwest side of a young or newly planted tree. This wound, sometime called sun scald, is the result of the sun heating up the bark and stimulating cambial activity. The cold temperature that follows kills the active tissue and a split occurs. Clean the wound by cutting out the bark that is loosened and damaged. Healing will begin on its own when the growing season starts.
