Leon Fisk wrote:

On Tue, 01 Jun 2004 23:00:09 GMT, Judas pratt_m@
hotmail.com wrote:

I have 2 Maple trees that are probably 25 years old & 40-50 ft high.
They both have slices in the bark going up about 8-10 feet from the
ground* & the bark is peeled away from the trunk about 4-5 inches on
both sides. What has caused this and why only these 2 trees and not
the others?

Hi Mike,

Just guessing, but could it possibly be lightning strikes? I
know of several trees around my area that have been hit by
lightning that look something like this.
*

Expanding and contracting of moisture just below the bark can
cause the same thing if trunks get heavy sun during a spell of
intense cold.
Your local county extension service can usually tell you if a
problem has been common in your area.
Their advice is free.
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