Although the sun is indispensable to plants, the wrong type of sunlight can cause harmful effects. Sunscald is the name given to sunburn-like injury motivated by abrupt temperature changes in winter and colder months. Low temperatures are disrupted by prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight, burning the outer layers of plant tissue. It can affect leafy plants, but it primarily affects tree bark, with younger plants being more fragile and susceptible to damage. Leafy plants and vegetables become more susceptible if the ground freezes their roots, making access to adequate water difficult. Evergreen trees are more resistant, while trees like maples, birch, walnut, apple, and cherry, among others, are more susceptible. Sunscald can also be triggered by excessive pruning in fruit trees and vines.
Sunscald Tree Treatment
Signs of damage
- Bark damage. In trees, bark will crack for several layers and even the first layer of wood. Elongated areas of dead bark will show, and bark will begin to peel off, leaving wood unprotected.
- Discolored brown leaves.
- White spots. Leafy plants will display scattered white spots with a yellowish border on foliage.
- Blisters. Leafy plants with frozen roots will display blisters similar to human sunburn blisters.
- Falling of leaves.
- Weakness. Plants become less resistant and more susceptible to fungal diseases.
- Death. Due to distress, but mainly due to insufficient leaves to carry out photosynthesis and nourishment of the plant.
How to prevent
For trees, wrap the trunks with light-colored commercial tree wrap or paint them with adequate white paint from the ground up until the first branches. This reflects the sun and stabilizes temperature during winter, and it can be removed in spring after the last frost.
For plants in containers, ensure they’re only in contact with direct sunlight for the necessary amounts required for their healthy development and remove them to a protected area after that.
In garden beds, covering and providing shade when sunlight is too harsh can be an effective way to prevent sunscald.
Heal
This issue should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Cut the dead bark until only healthy layers are left and wrap the tree. Mulching will allow for easier recovery and to stabilize ground temperature. Wait for the plants to seal their wounds.
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