The common term "frost crack"
is misnomer because frost does not cause the initial crack. When a
stressed, or wounded area in the bark is subject to a sudden change
in temperature, the outer layer of wood will contract quicker than
the inner causing the crack to occur. The frost and cold temperatures
are responsible for the continuation of the vertical crack. Physically
they are vertical bulges or cracks on trunks indicate a recurring
stress. This is a noninfectious tree disease. |
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