A straight vertical crack in the bark, usually on the south or southwest face, often several feet long. It typically shows up in the coldest stretch of winter, sometimes with an audible bang. In summer it closes nearly shut; the next winter it reopens in the same line. Over years a raised, lipped ridge of callus wood — a frost rib — builds along both edges. On maples it may weep dark sap in spring.
Not urgent
14 crews near Shelbyville · Free estimate · No obligation
This is a split in the wood itself, not just the bark, running from the outside toward the center. For the tree it means the outer wood is now open to air and water, and it will respond by walling the injury off and growing over it. Most trees live with a frost crack indefinitely and a healthy one closes it and carries on. The lasting significance is that the crack is a permanent line of weakness and a doorway for decay, so a trunk with one is a trunk you monitor rather than a trunk you fix.
This is normally a tree trimming job, which around here runs $250 to $1,400 depending on size and access. Treat that as a range, not a quote — nobody can price it without seeing it.
11219 House St, Indianapolis, IN 46259
“These folks did a great job in coming to my rescue . We have One of the last remaining Ash trees in Forrest Common on the south side . It lost a…”
William Murphy · 2 months ago · Google
4621 S Brooklawn Dr, New Palestine, IN 46163
“I was fortunate to have Shawn Miller replace a large three in one window in my residence. He was extremely thorough removing the exterior cement…”
Ric Vega · 5 years ago · Google
201 S Morton St, Franklin, IN 46131
“Browns tree service provided A-1 service from the estimate from Kevin to crew supervisor Eliel and his amazing crew. They arrived on job site and…”
Mike Synesael · 3 months ago · Google
2067 Sunshine Dr, Greenfield, IN 46140
“We had a few things updated/upgraded on our property and cannot say enough good things about Doctor Tree & Landscape Specialists. They are truly…”
Brian Cross · a year ago · Google
646 S 600 W Building #5, New Palestine, IN 46163
“This is the second time we have hired Holmes for tree work at our home. A few years ago they removed a tree that was too close to our home and did an…”
Jennifer Kost-Barker · 2 months ago · Google
5067 W US Hwy 40, Greenfield, IN 46140
“This company is very courteous and friendly. They are prompt and fast at what they do. I had three large silver lead maples trimmed, seven dead ash…”
Zach Bailey · 7 years ago · Google
52 525W, Greenfield, IN 46140
“Had a tree fall on my home, my mother knew one of the employees (Conner) he got in touch with Scott who came from near Indy all the way to Fort Wayne…”
Jacquelin Clark · 4 years ago · Google
4035 E Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46237
“They were 1 of 3 tree companies (highly regarded) I called for estimates after a storm took down a huge limb in our backyard. 1 never called back, 1…”
Wendy Foley · 3 years ago · Google
1251 U.S. Hwy 31 N, Greenwood, IN 46142
“Our pear tree broke in half and was blocking part of our neighborhood road. These guys came out quickly, trimmed the fallen branch down and removed…”
Steve Sewell · 4 years ago · Google
1744 Sugar Creek Trail, Greenfield, IN 46140
“We were so grateful for Gaddie’s Tree Service. They are fabulous!!!! We had to wait do bad rainy weather, but once Gaddie’s got here they took care…”
BJ Cheesman · a year ago · Google
1917 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46239
“Larry showed up in the morning and gave me an estimate that was fair. His crew was showed up, same day, and knocked out the job in a couple hours…”
Rick Oncale · 3 months ago · Google
507 S Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46239
“I give this company 10 stars!! We had turned in the fact that this huge tree at the NW end of a church's lot prevented drivers from safely crossing…”
Amy L. Allison · a month ago · Google
Distance measured from Shelbyville.