Quote:
Originally Posted by Emery Davis[_3_]
If the area of dead bark hasn't been mechanically damaged (like chewed
by a rabbit or a deer) it's likely caused by a pseudomonas syringae
infection. These are very common with all snakebarks (and many other
Acers) and are particularly common in the sort of circumstances you
describe (standing water), and with a cold, wet winter or spring.
Here's a wikipedia link on same, although the picture is not
particularly useful as it shows long healed damage.
Pseudomonas syringae - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Many thanks for the info. I was hoping you'd answer!
Mine differs from that pic in that the damaged bark is entirely smooth. It wouldn't look out of place on a young sycamore (it's just not right for a green and white snake-bark).
Mine looks like what is being referred to on that forum as 'tight bark'. It seems to be a largely US forum - is that diagnosis likely in the UK? ... oops - I've just googled, and seen your response of May 2006 to a similar question!
Could Verticillium wilt cause bark discolouration?
I think I'm resigned to losing the tree, which is a great shame since I grew it from seed. I'll cut out the dead branch and hope it keeps growing long enough to ripen this year's seed, then I can at lest keep it alive in spirit ;-)