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Q&A - What Is Splitting the Bark On My Maple Tree?


Question:
My maple tree has something eating away at the trunk. I saw ants on it. Are the ants doing this damage?

Answer:
Mr. D., retired UT Extension Agent, and Dale Skaggs, Director of Horticulture at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, believe the bark damage is from freezing and thawing during the winter time. Ants tend to be present when there are aphids or soft scale producing honeydew. Damage to your trees can often be secondary to the root problem. Make sure you investigate your garden environment for pests, weather exposure and disease before pursuing a treatment.

Related Videos:
What is the best way to maintain the area around a maple because of the roots?
Effects of Sunscald

Related Resources:
Maple
Maple Diseases
Frost cracks and winter damage to trees
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search