Fruit trees are sometimes painted with white latex paint, which reflects sunlight and keeps the trunk from cracking. Prevention is important, since once the crack occurs, nothing can be done. This occurs when water is leaving the plant faster than it is being taken into the plant. During the winter months dessication can occur if the ground is frozen beyond the depth of the root system. If the fall has been dry, there may not be enough ground moisture available for the plant.
Water loss is greatest during windy, sunny conditions.
This type of injury appears as discolored or burned evergreen needles or leaves. Some plants may appear dead, but they are not. Corrective pruning should not be started until the full extent of the damage can be determined. Injury to foliage and tender shoots should be visible within a few days, but it may be several months before damage to larger limbs can be determined. Wait to see if any live green foliage reappears or gently scrap under the outer layer of bark to see if green wood is present.