PREVENTION OF SUNSCALD ON THIN-BARKED TREES

Applying tree wrap from the soil to the start of the first branches can protect recently planted trees from sunscald through the winter.

Many young, smooth, thin-barked trees such as honey locust, fruit trees, ashes, oaks, maples, lindens and willows are susceptible to sunscald and bark cracks. Sunscald normally develops on the south or southwest side of the tree during late winter. Sunny, warm winter days may heat the bark to relatively high temperatures. Research done in Georgia has shown that the southwest side of the trunk of a peach tree can be 40 degrees warmer than shaded bark. This warming action can cause a loss of cold hardiness of the bark tissue resulting in cells becoming active. These cells then become susceptible to lethal freezing when the temperature drops at night. The damaged bark tissue becomes sunken and discolored in late spring to early summer. Damaged bark will eventually crack and slough off. Trees will often recover but will need some TLC (especially watering during dry weather).

EXTENSION AG INFORMATION AVAILABLE

911 REFLECTIVE ADDRESS SIGNS MAKE GOOD CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

The Nemaha County 4-H Council is selling reflective 911 signs. These 6" by 18" signs are green with white numbers. Both vertical and horizontal signs are available. To order a sign for your family or loved ones contact a 4-H member or the Meadowlark Extension District - Seneca office. If you have questions about the signs or need additional information contact the Meadowlark Extension District - Seneca office at 785-336-2184.