Frost Cracks

Photos and Text By: Curtis E. Swift, Ph.D.
Area Extension Agent (Horticulture)
Colorado State University Extension
Tri River Area

frost crack jpeg

The frost crack in this apple tree originated from a wound that occurred many year ago

Frost cracks are longitudinal cracks that occur in the bark and wood often extending several feet up and down and penetrating several inches into the trunks of affected trees. The colder the temperature the wider the cracks may open. Sudden drops in temperature do not appear to increase the appearance or width of cracks when compared with slow temperature changes.

Soil moisture levels do not appear to affect `frost cracking' of previously `frost crack' injured trees, while wrapping or painting (using a white latex paint) appear to reduce this problem. In addition, wrapping and painting reduce sunscald, a trunk injury which may lead to frost cracking in future years.

`Frost cracks' start from old wounds resulting from trunk injury, branch stubs, basal sprouts or root death. Care should be taken to ensure that trunk injury is avoided, and pruning cuts are properly made.

reference gif

  • Harris, Richard W. 1992. Arboriculture: Integrated managment of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Second Edition. Regents/Prentice Hall
  • Shigo,Alex L. 1986. A New Tree Biology: Facts, Photos, and Philosophies on trees and their problems and proper care. Shigo and Associates

Placed on the Internet May 21, 1996
Updated June 18, 2009