My Zestar tree got some pretty bad sun scald (I think this is what it is) a few years ago after its first winter. It’s been healing up naturally since, but I don’t believe this is going to completely heal over. I planned to paint it this year but wanted some advice first. Seems to be the only tree I have with this.
Is this sun scald or something else?
Let it be?
Recommend painting over the healing wound?
Should this be wrapped or treated another way?
Thanks
Painting will prevent new sun scald but will inhibit healing over of the existing damage. If you paint don’t cover the damaged area or the rounded edges of the healing tissue. Those rounded edges are a good sign that your tree is healing and it will eventually cover that wound. The tree may be weak in the area of the damage and some support may be called for until it has healed over.
2-3 years ago, my tree on m111 root stock looked a lot like yours with sooty dark appearance and sunken dark spots. I don’t think it was sunscald since no other tree was affected similarly. I theorize my tree was just weakened due to transplant and deer pressure, and as a result of the weakened immune system had developed some cankers. I didn’t paint anything. I just let the tree grow as it wanted and fertilized.
Fast forward to today, my tree healed up fairly nicely, developed normal coloration and has almost completely healed.
If you want accelerated healing, I suggest pinching those flower buds off.
Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. Seems to be healing slowly the last couple years without any intervention similar to what you mentioned. I’ll just leave it be.
I checked my tree again. It was a Granny Smith if that matters. I can still see the raw wood after 2 years so it will take some more time to completely heal, but once the tree is in good color and growing well, I think you’re out of the danger zone.
I don’t think yours is sunscald either because there exists damage normal to different angles (geometrically). Sunscald should be fairly consistent on side facing the sun when it’s freezing. Best of luck.
