Maple Bark frost cracks

Question: I have a number of young maple trees in our yard that have significant deep cracking. I believe that it was caused by freezing and thawing cycles based on my own research. I have a couple of questions
1) Is my self-identified malady correct?
2) what should we be doing with the trees to protect the open wounds?

Thanks,
Tony Schacher

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 21, 2023, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Oh no! Looks like there is a combination of things going on. The trees look like they were planted too deep. There should be a root flare at the base.Yes, the cracking could have been from winter injury (freeze/thaw cycle). I also see what could possibly be a disease issue called bleeding canker. This is caused by Phytophthora and is very common on maples. Some trees are able to live for a while with this condition. Take a look at that link and the photo-does that look like what you're seeing?  There isn't much to be done but wait and see with these trees. How does the foliage look? Is the canopy thinning or any dieback?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Do you hve any recommendations that we follow up with to try to treat or extend the trees life? We have 3 large maples that I would like to save from a terrible fate if we can?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 2:54 PM EDT
response: If we remove these trees and plant new Maples will they be infected too? these are about 3 years old so I don't think we will be able to dig them up and raise them without causing further damage to them.

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 23, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Phytophthora is very common in our area. But it's hard to know just from a photo if that is what is affecting these trees. It could be that water is collecting in the cracks and causing some rot that is oozing out.  In this case, since the trees are established and the damage is so extensive there isn't much that can be done. It's so sad to lose big trees, I have a lot of empathy for your situation!  How does the foliage look? Are you seeing any thinning or dieback? Does it look like the tree is starting to heal over the wounds at all? Can you pull back some of the mulch and see what the crown (base) looks like? Any decay at the base?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: The foliage so far looks pretty good and there is no thinning that I can tell anyway. The wounds are new in the last couple months and they don't appear to have much if any rot in them yet. The crowns all look really good once we pulled the bark dust away from them. The trees do get hit from our lawn sprinklers when they are running in the mornings.  Is there anything that I could or should apply to the cracks to at least attempt to help them heal?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: The foliage so far looks pretty good and there is no thinning that I can tell anyway. The wounds are new in the last couple months and they don't appear to have much if any rot in them yet. The crowns all look really good once we pulled the bark dust away from them. The trees do get hit from our lawn sprinklers when they are running in the mornings.  Is there anything that I could or should apply to the cracks to at least attempt to help them heal?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: The foliage so far looks pretty good and there is no thinning that I can tell anyway. The wounds are new in the last couple months and they don't appear to have much if any rot in them yet. The crowns all look really good once we pulled the bark dust away from them. The trees do get hit from our lawn sprinklers when they are running in the mornings.  Is there anything that I could or should apply to the cracks to at least attempt to help them heal?

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 26, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: It would be best to adjust the sprinklers so they don't hit the trunks. This will allow the wound to dry and callus over. It's no longer recommended to paint or seal wounds on trees. The sealant can hold moisture and make the problem worse.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 07, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: It has been about a week with all of the sprinklers adjusted away from the trees. The wounds have dried out in this weather. I am curious if I should hit them with some kind of cleaning solution like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to kill any bacteria or impurities in the wounds to help stave off rot while they attempt to heal?

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 10, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: No, it's best to let the wounds dry and for the tree to heal naturally. Treatments may interfere with the natural callus development.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT
response: So what are the chances that these trees will actually survive?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: So what are the chances that these trees will actually survive?

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 11, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry, I wish I were able to predict this for you! I know it's so hard when the trees are nearly mature and so valuable to the landscape. You'll know if things are going downhill if you see issues with the foliage (thinning, dieback, etc.). Cross your fingers!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 7:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the response. I am at least somewhat hopeful that there may still be a chance that they make it through. we will definitely work hard on our end to give them the best chance possible to survive. Tony