Prevent frost cracks by wrapping young trees with paper tree wrap. The wrap should start at ground level and go all the way up to the first main branches. Fruit trees are sometimes painted with white, latex paint, which reflects the sunlight and prevents the trunk's cracking. Once a crack occurs, nothing can be done. Fertilizing a low vigor tree may speed up growth and close the crack more quickly.
Frost cracks can allow rots or canker diseases to get established in the trunk.
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