Sun scald in the low desert

PLANTS MOST SUSCEPTIBLE: Wide variety of sun sensitive plants including citrus, mimosa, mulberry, etc.

SYMPTOMS:

The bark on the South or West sides of the trunk becomes discolored and may split or crack exposing the wood beneath to disease and insect predators.


CAUSE:

• Newly planted trees may lack sufficient canopy to shade the bark
• Pruning in the Spring or Summer which exposes previously shaded trunk area to intense sunlight.
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MANAGEMENT:
Prevention

• Avoid pruning sun sensitive trees during the spring or summer. If pruning is necessary, try not to open up areas of shaded bark.
• Protect exposed areas by painting with a white, water-based paint, shading with a cloth or paper wrapping.
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Treatment
• Shade the effected area
• Monitor for bacterial or fungal infection and apply fungicide or 10% bleach solution if necessary