Sunscald Prevention with Tree Wraps
Sunscald commonly occurs on young, tender-barked trees, such as maples, during winter. According to Sarah Browning, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator, it may be due to uneven heating of the trunk. However, there also appears to be a correlation to root damage caused during transplanting.
Proper planting and post planting care may be more important to protecting trees from sunscald than tree wrap. If used incorrectly, or left on too long, tree wraps can cause more harm than good. If used, tree wraps should be attached in November at the soil line and the tree wrapped upward with the wrap overlapping up to the first set of branches.
Remove wrap in spring, since leaving it on too long may girdle or compress the trunk, reduce photosynthesis, and increase insect (borer) damage. Avoid the use of paint as these may cause chemical damage to the trunk.
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