The bark on a pear is cracking: what to do and reasons, how to save a tree and prevention

Many gardeners when growing pears are faced with the peeling of the bark from the tree. At the same time, characteristic depressions are formed on its trunk, which provoke a weakening of the plant. If the bark on a pear cracks, what should be done in such a situation? First of all, it is important to establish the causes of this problem. Depending on this, it is required to take measures to eliminate it.

Possible causes

There are quite a few factors that cause peeling of the bark on a pear. Depending on this, it is worth taking measures to eliminate them.

The tree froze over

Cold winter without precipitation with sharp temperature fluctuations can cause cracks in the tree. This is especially true for young pears.

Black Cancer

This is a fungal infection that is accompanied by severe drying of the bark and cambium. As a result, black spots appear on the tree, which spread rapidly. This process is accompanied by the drying of foliage and the fall of flowers and ovaries.

Cytosporosis

This disease is also different fungal origin. Under the influence of pathogens, a constant drying of the pear bark is observed. At the same time, she almost does not change her color. If treatment is not started in time, the tree will wither.

Bark beetle

If the bark is cracked, small black beetles as small as 4 millimeters could hit it. Their years begin during the flowering period of the pear. At this time, parasites spread over long distances. Females choose weakened trees and gnaw passages under their bark, laying eggs there. Then larvae emerge from them and further damage the bark.

Sunburn

Sunburn in winter leads to rapid cracking of the bark. This is observed on cold windless days, when the trees are not protected from the scorching sun. In such a situation, the branches and bark quickly heat up. After sunset, a sharp cold snap sets in, and burns form. Gradually, the trunk cracks, and the shoots dry up.

Rodents

Hares and mice often cause mechanical damage to the bark. They willingly absorb the tender young bark. At the same time, not only gnawed wood brings danger, but even minor damage.When warm, moisture accumulates in them. In frosty weather, it transforms into ice and provokes ruptures of the bark.

Excess nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen is considered a growth stimulant for trees. Therefore, it is used in spring and summer to improve the development and obtain new shoots on a pear. At the same time, in the fall, such types of stimulation only bring harm. The shoots that appear before winter are too young. They cannot tolerate frost and freeze, causing cracks in the bark.

Damaged area treatment technique

Fighting cracks is required, taking into account the reasons for their appearance. In this case, the treatment includes the following components:

bark restoration;
remove the cause of cracking.

The simplest and most versatile option is whitewashing trees with lime mortar. This procedure is performed in spring and autumn. The substance helps to strengthen the bark and prevents the accumulation of moisture in the cracks. As a result, frosts and thaws do not bring such harm to pears.

Rodent control

To protect trees from rodents, it is recommended to wrap their trunks with plastic mesh. It is also acceptable to use ultrasonic devices or poison. Plants that repel mice are highly effective. These include coriander, red elderberry, black root.

Prevention of physical fractures

Abundant fruiting leads not only to cracks, but also to tree breaks. It is recommended to remove some unripe fruits from a young pear. This will help prevent physical deformation.You can also install props under the branches. This will help minimize the pressure on them. In winter, it is recommended to remove wet snow from trees.

Fight against fungal diseases and pests

To prevent fungal infections, trees should be treated with copper sulphate or special fungicides should be used. Even before bud formation, it is worth carrying out spring treatment from bark beetles.

For the destruction of beetles, such means as "Confidor", "Calypso", "Antizhuk" are suitable. The solution must be drawn into a syringe and injected into the passages that were made by the parasites. After flowering is completed, Clipper, Bifenthrin are used.

Furrowing procedure

This method is considered preventive. At the same time, its use provides a kind of training of the cortex. The procedure should be carried out in May or June. To do this, it is required to make 3-4 longitudinal cuts 1-2 mm deep on the trunk.Similar actions must be performed for large skeletal branches.

This procedure is performed for 3-4 years of plant life. Furrowing helps to avoid the appearance of cracks in the bark and activate the growth of branches and trunk.

How to save a tree

To save an affected tree, a number of important procedures must be followed. At the same time, it is important to apply an integrated approach.

Burn Prevention

To avoid damage to the dark tree trunk, you need to whitewash it. To do this, you should use a lime-clay mortar.

Prevention of frost cracking

In this case, you should use ordinary newsprint. She needs to tie not only the trunk, but also the lower branches of the tree. The newspaper helps reflect the sun's rays and provides protection from strong winds. In addition, the material allows air to pass through, and therefore the bark does not fade.

Proper feeding

When cracks appear on a young pear, improper application of nitrogen fertilizers can be suspected. It is important to consider that at the end of summer or autumn it is worth using minerals. They help the plant survive the winter.

The appearance of cracks in the bark of a pear can be the result of various factors. Fungal infections, rodents, harmful insects lead to this problem. In order to cope with the violation, it is important to identify the precipitating factor and take measures to eliminate it.