08/24/2026
🌳Sunburn? Nope. Sunscald!☀️❄️
Have you seen this on a tree on your property—or think you might have? Tell us in the comments! 👇
Sunscald is a type of bark injury that occurs when a tree's trunk experiences rapid temperature changes during the winter months.
It most commonly affects young trees with thin bark, especially maples, fruit trees, and ash in our area.
While sunscald can be unsightly, severe damage can weaken a tree and make it more vulnerable to insects and disease.
☀️ Where does sunscald occur?
Sunscald typically appears on the south or southwest side of the trunk, where the bark receives the most direct winter sunlight.
Common signs include:
• Cracked or split bark
• Sunken or discolored areas on the trunk
• Peeling or loose bark
• Dead bark exposing the wood beneath
• Long vertical wounds along the trunk
• Callus tissue forming around the damaged area as the tree attempts to heal
🌡️ Why does it happen?
Symptoms often become noticeable in late winter or early spring.
During sunny winter days, the sun warms the bark and causes the tree's living cells beneath the bark to become active. When temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, those active cells can freeze and die, damaging the bark and the tissues underneath.
Young trees are the most susceptible because they have not yet developed thick, protective bark.
🌳 Which trees are most at risk?
Trees are more likely to develop sunscald if they:
• Have thin or smooth bark
• Were recently planted
• Have been heavily pruned, exposing the trunk to more sunlight
• Experience large temperature swings during the winter
⚠️ Can sunscald hurt a tree?
Many trees recover from minor sunscald injuries over time. However, severe wounds can:
• Slow tree growth
• Create entry points for insects and diseases
• Weaken the trunk
• Increase the risk of decay
🛡️ How can you prevent it?
Homeowners can help protect vulnerable trees by:
• Wrapping the trunk with a commercial tree wrap each fall and removing it in the spring
• Installing white plastic tree guards on young trees
• Avoiding excessive pruning that suddenly exposes the trunk to direct sunlight
• Keeping trees healthy through proper watering during dry periods
🌱 What if the damage has already happened?
There is no way to reverse bark damage once it occurs. Avoid using wound paints or sealants.
Instead, allow the tree to recover naturally while providing proper care. In many cases, healthy trees will gradually form new tissue around the damaged area.
If your tree has large areas of peeling bark, deep cracks, or appears to be declining after winter, it's a good idea to have it evaluated.
Our arborists can determine whether the damage is simply sunscald or another issue, assess the tree's structural health, and recommend the best course of action to help protect your investment.
Have you seen sunscald on a tree at your property? Drop a comment below!👇
