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Japanese Maple Bark Damage

9 years ago

We planted a Japanese Maple last year and the leaves suggest it's doing well, but the bark near the base of the tree is peeling away. There are no apparent pests, and the moisture/water levels seem appropriate. I should note that another Japanese Maple of the same size on the other side of the yard at the same time, under the same conditions. It doesn't have this problem. Any thoughts about what's causing this and what would be a good solution?

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Comments (3)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
It looks like it was planted too deeply. Have you removed mulch away from the base already? Do you see anything like a root flare or signs of surface roots?

Certainly mulch piled up against the trunk can cause bark to split and peel away as well as more severe problems. You always want a clear span of several inches around the trunk before mulch starts.
jclaybou
Original Author
9 years ago
Okay, planting it too deeply seems like an likely cause. Will this heal itself once mulch is cleared away from the trunk?
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PRO
Change of Art®
2 years ago
if the tree’s root flare isn’t visible, it was planted too deeply.

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