This was a free tulip tree from the city planted on my front last. Wind blows from west often and bends tree a little to the east. It had been planted on my lawn about 5 years? I just noticed the bark split with some black around it on the north facing side of the narrow trunk. Is this a canker?
If so how can I help it heal? Will the tree die?
I just noticed this a few days ago but could have been there longer.
Should I notify the city since originally it was them who planted it?
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners. It’s very encouraging to see the city planting this stately, fast-growing, native tree. I love its unusual shaped leaves and showy yellow cup-like flowers.
It’s discouraging to see the wound in your tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). We received a similar query from another gardener about a Wound on Japanese Maple. Although for a different species of tree, the advice can be applied to your Tulip tree. First, determine whether it’s canker or damage from our winter freeze/thaw cycle. If the foliage on your Liriodendron tulipifera doesn’t show any signs of disease, the damage may be due to our winter freeze/thaw cycle. Note that trees are very resilient and have mechanisms to heal their wounds. We don’t recommend wound dressing or tree paint as these interfere with the tree’s natural healing process.
The Morton Arboretum – Canker Disease has detailed information on the symptoms, disease cycle and management of trees with cankers. Nectria canker (Nectria magnoliae) could be the culprit as this disease impacts trees in the Magnolia family (to which Tulip trees belong).
“The best defense here is to use good cultural practices to ensure your tree is the healthiest it can be: make sure you water your tree during drought conditions, avoid compacting the soil around it, remove leaf debris in the fall, and amend your soil with organic fertilizers (compost) and mulch (not touching the base of the trunk but in a circle around it).” (Toronto Master Garden ASK query Wound on Japanese Maple).
If the tree is on city property, call the city and request an arborist to assess the damage and offer advice to manage the condition. Or alternatively you can contact a local certified arborist. You can click here to find a certified arborist.
I hope you are able to enjoy your tree for many years to come.
June 27, 2024