Splitting an ash

I've always just assumed it was caused by poor bunching of the leaves. But not sure.

Rhamlin:

I've always just assumed it was caused by poor bunching of the leaves. But not sure.

Thats what I always figured too. Leaf bunching.

slickric:

What does a splitting ash mean? Too dry? The moist?

I think it is an extension of that prominent vein that you can see running the length of that stick. Take a look just above the "split" and you can see it is right over that vein. I have seen this on lot's of sticks and there is usually a vein on the wrapper that causes it.