Is it advisable to wrap the trunks of apple trees?
Yes, when they are young and their bark is still thin, because then they are very susceptible to sunscald. This damage usually occurs when there is a sharp change in temperature, i.e. warm daytime temperatures cause sap to rise in the tree, and then nighttime freezing occurs. This sudden swing can make the bark split and inflict severe damage on the tree. Tree wrap will reflect the sun and lessen the likelihood of heat buildup in the trunk, thereby reducing the danger of sunscald. Tree wrap is only needed during winter and spring, or when there is a possibility of snow lying on the ground, since it is such a fierce reflector. We recommend it be removed when danger of snow has passed so the trunk gets acclimated to the “real” world.
