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Q&A – Why is the bark splitting on my sugar maples?

Question:
Why is the bark splitting on my sugar maples?
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Answer:

This looks like cicada damage. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says the female cicada makes slits on the bark of young tree branches to lay eggs. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond recommends fertilizing the tree after it leaves out to help it overcome the damage.
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Related Videos:
What is the Cicada Cycle?
Will I be able to save my maple tree that is missing a piece of bark?

Related Resources:
Bark Splitting on Trees
About Cicadas
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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