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Red Spire Pear

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From: David Heskin City: Brielle, NJ
I have a Red Spire Pear tree that has been planted approximately 7 years ago. It is about 20 - 25 feet tall with a trunk diameter 8 - 10". The bark has separated from the tree in a section about 12" by 9". I cannot see any sign of insects and the tree appears to be healthy --- not loss or turning color of leaves, etc. A similar tree was planted about 20 feet away at the same time and has no problems. Any suggestions?
	Extension Message From: James Schuster Horticulturist and Plant Pathologist (Retired) schuster@illinois.edu
The size of the wound does not fit with freeze damage or sun scalding. It sounds more like a mechanical injury such as someone hitting the trunk really hard. Trim any loose bark back to where the callus tissue is trying to grow in from the sides. Callus tissue looks like a lighter bark rolling in under the dead old bark. NO paint or tar should be used
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