Vertical cracks or sunken, discolored patches on the south or west side of a trunk aren't storm damage this time of year, they're usually sunscald from weeks of intense summer sun hitting thin bark directly.
Younger trees and thin-barked species like maples, honey locusts, and newly transplanted specimens are the most vulnerable, especially if a nearby tree was recently removed and suddenly exposed a trunk that used to sit in shade. Once bark cracks, the tree is more open to insects and decay organisms getting into the wound.
Our crews check for early sunscald during routine visits across Metro Atlanta and can recommend trunk protection or canopy adjustments before a small crack turns into a bigger structural problem. Catching it early is almost always the difference between a healthy scar and a spreading wound.
Have you noticed any cracking or discoloration on a tree that recently lost its shade neighbor?
#SunscaldSeason #AtlantaTreeCare
Close-up photo of sunscald cracking or bark damage on a trunk, or a crew member inspecting a recently exposed tree. Authentic job photos strongly preferred over stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "That Crack in the Bark Isn't Storm Damage" or "Sunscald Season Is Here"