What's wrong with the tree? Bark split

Hi


Looking for some advice on what might be wring with this tree.


Only just noticed that the bark is split up the middle. I can see lots of ants running up and down it (not sure if this is relevant but thought it was worth mentioning).



Thanks!

 

It’s a street tree. My guess is that some bored teenager has given it a scratch with a knife.

 

Thanks for the thought - I’d be amazed if it was that…. I can trawl CCTV but don’t want to do that at present as I think it’s potentiallly something else

 

Peeling bark is a natural process in some trees, including birch which your tree resembles. If the bark underneath is not damaged, discoloured or weeping, I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

Thank you! That’s a relief.
It is a birch.

 

Really difficult to see if that is wound or not, the peeling part is probably natural but the long slit doesn't look very natural to me.
It looks like something the tree can survive as long as it doesn't get any worse.
Natural peeling bark is usually as thick as a piece of paper.

 

If there are ants around the wound, that means the tree is losing sap and the ants are harvesting it.
I agree the wound doesn't look natural but it shouldn't be too bad for the tree if it can heal itself.
Had the wound been around the trunk, that would likely kill the tree as it would stop all fluids reaching the branches. A vertical wound is not so serious.

 

Thanks both. Will keep it monitored.

 

I was thinking possibly the ants maybe farming aphids higher up, but agree if there is sap oozing then they are probably just drinking the sap.

Either way they won't be harming the tree directly.