Q.Bay Tree in the ground
My 36″ box Bay tree from the Moon Valley Nursery in Las Vegas, NV that was planted in the ground last March has a split at the base and another split further up the tree and some of the bark has fallen off. Should we wrap the trunk to protect it before the heat of the summer and/or coat it with something to help protect it? Please help.
In my research I found that this is a very common issue with Sweet Bay Leaf Trees.
The trunks are weak and they are likely to suffer damage from wind and weather.
Also the trunks will swell from too much water and then split.
Generally wrapping a tree is not recommended. Bark damage is best to heal with no covering.
In the case of a Sweet Bay Tree, they will continue to suffer damage with the environmental conditions.
Growing in a container can lead to more success. In the ground the tree should be planting in an area sheltered from wind.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bay/sweet-bay-leaf-tree.htm