Tree problems · Other damage

Sunscald: signs and what to do

Sunscald is a kind of non-living (abiotic) damage, often seen on maples, honeylocust, lindens. Look for: sunken, dry or cracked patches of bark on the south or southwest side of the trunk.

General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.

Other damage
Maples
Honeylocust
Lindens
Bradford pear
Dogwood and redbud
Cherry and birch

Signs to look for

Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.

Sunken, dry or cracked patches of bark on the south or southwest side of the trunk
Bark that peels or falls off in strips, leaving bare wood
A sharp edge between healthy bark and dead bark
Cracks that open along the dead patch
Slow growth, small leaves or dieback of branches above the injured area
Decay or insects entering the exposed wood in later years

0 of 6 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.

Season

Damage happens in winter, when the sun warms the bark on a cold day and the temperature drops fast at night. It is often noticed in spring when buds open on only part of the tree. Summer sunscald can also hit trees newly exposed to strong sun.

How it spreads

Sunscald is not a disease and does not spread from tree to tree. It most often hits young trees, newly planted trees, and trees that lose shade after nearby trees are removed.

Where it is found

Sunscald can occur in any part of the United States. It is most common where winter days are sunny and nights are cold, and in places with strong sun on trees that were shaded before.

Official sources

What to do

1
Take photos of the damaged bark and note which side of the trunk it is on.
2
Leave the tree alone while you decide. Do not peel dead bark off all at once. Ask an arborist how much to trim back.
3
Keep the tree watered in dry spells and mulch the root zone, but keep mulch off the trunk.
4
Do not paint the wound. Extension sources generally say it does not help.
5
Shade the trunk or wrap it with light-colored tree wrap next winter if the tree is young.
6
Watch the tree for decay, fungus or dead branches over the next few years.

Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.

Prevention

Wrap young thin-barked trunks with light-colored tree wrap in late fall and take it off in spring. Plant trees where they get some trunk shade. Keep young trees watered. Prune so lower branches shade the trunk, and think before removing nearby trees that have been shading a young one.

When to call a pro

Call a certified arborist if the damage covers much of the trunk, if the bark is peeling in large sections, or if the tree shows dieback. Large trees with a damaged trunk near a house or road should be checked by a trained, insured crew.

Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?

Trees it affects

Usually seen on: Maples, Honeylocust, Lindens, Bradford pear, Dogwood and redbud, Cherry and birch, Young thin-barked trees of many kinds.

See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.

For tree companies

How to explain sunscald to a customer

Sunscald is easy to prevent and easy to talk about. Explain it to the owner in simple words, show the south side damage, and offer wraps or shading for young trees. Be honest that small patches often heal, and do not oversell removal.

Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.

Questions

What is sunscald?

It is bark injury caused by winter sun warming the trunk and a sharp drop in temperature afterward. The living tissue under the bark dies.

Which side of the tree gets it?

Usually the south or southwest side, which gets the most winter sun.

Can a tree recover?

Small patches often heal slowly from the edges. Larger wounds can lead to decay and dieback. A certified arborist can judge your tree.

Should I wrap my young tree?

Many extension sources advise light-colored wrap for young thin-barked trees in winter. Remove it in spring so it does not trap moisture or insects.

Should I cover the wound with paint or sealer?

Extension sources generally advise against it. Keep the tree healthy and let it close the wound over time.

Can sunscald happen in summer?

Yes. A tree that suddenly loses shade, for example after a neighboring tree is removed, can get sun damage on its trunk.

Can Lirevon diagnose sunscald on my tree?

No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.

How do I find a good local pro for this?

Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.

When customers spot sunscald, they call

Make sure someone answers. Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for you. See our services and pricing.

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