Many trees and plants in the southwest are hardy and accustomed to hot summers and cool winters. However, not all trees are prepared to deal with the fluctuating temperatures often felt during the winter months. This inability to handle changing temperatures can lead to a condition called sunscald. Continue reading to learn more.

Condition

Sunscald is a common condition for trees found in the southwest. This condition mainly occurs during the winter, when the days can reach high temperatures, but the nights are still cold. As the day heats up under the sun, the trees’ dormant cells become active. Once the sun sets, and temperatures become cold again, the active cells are killed and the tree suffers.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of sunscald is a reddish or brown spot on the south or west side of the bark. If the damage is extensive, then a tree may have areas of split bark that peel off the tree’s trunk. As the bark peels, the tree may develop a sunken and exposed area on its trunk. Trees with sunscald could eventually die or lose their limbs.

Treatments

The best treatment for sunscald is to avoid it in the first place. Trees should be protected against the rising sun to prevent the dormant cells from being damaged with sunscald. Ask landscapers to keep branches on the southwest side of the trees to shade the trunk. If this is undesirable, use a white tree wrap to protect the tree’s trunk during the winter months.

Susceptible Trees

Juvenile trees are the most susceptible to sunscald, because their bark is still thickening. Non-native trees or stressed trees are also susceptible. Many fruit trees or those under water stress are more likely to develop sunscald.

Keep trees protected from sunscald and other common tree conditions with the help of Complete Landscaping. Our landscapers are experienced in diagnosing and protecting trees from various illnesses and conditions, so please call us at (520) 323-8918 to make an appointment.