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Photinia Red Robin Bark Damage

Kathryn14Kathryn14 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
We recently noticed that the base of our Photinia Red Robin is damaged with split and weeping bark (see pics). Would appreciate any ideas as to cause and action required.  Many thanks.

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited August 2020
    How old is this tree/shrub? Is it grown as a standard? Oozing liquids on any bark usually means some type of damage already to the bark at some point. That then makes it an entry wound for bacteria to get in. How are the leaves and growth at the moment? 
  • Kathryn14Kathryn14 Posts: 3
    Hi Borderline.

    I think we have had the tree for 5/6 years.  It was then slightly over a metre tall, it is now between 2.5 and 3 metres. It is a standard.  Leaves and growth are good, no problems there.  Other than the damaged bark at base the tree looks healthy.  It did get battered by the wind earlier in the year but the damage to bark is only recent.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Thanks for the further information. Bark damage could be even animal damage as well as weather damage. Hopefully your bark will eventually heal and dry up in time. Don't try to cover or put anything over it. That can make it worse.

    Photinia's seldom have issues other than fungal leaf spot. On some shrubs, it can cause the plant to lose some leaves, but not anything too serious.
  • Kathryn14Kathryn14 Posts: 3
    This is really helpful to us, thank you.  We won't cover it, so will just keep an eye on it for now.  We will put a wire fence in place to protect it in case it is one of the cats that visit our garden.  Many thanks.
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