Dry weather (which slows growth) followed by wet or ideal growth conditions may cause an excessive or vigorous amount of growth leading to splits in the bark. Sunscald, especially in winter months, can cause bark injury to thin-barked or young trees.

Can split tree be saved?

How to Save a Split Tree. Minor splits on branches that are not hanging or otherwise deformed should heal on their own. … If the split looks like a gash and is still connected to an unharmed branch, smooth the bark out to help the healing process.

Why do trees split into two?

Sometimes two forks of a tree will grow about the same. This can be an internal event for the tree, or due to an external trauma like the top of the main trunk of the sapling being browsed by wild life, leaving lower branches to compete to become one or more primary trunk.