What Cause Trees with Peeling Bark in the First Place?

Trees with Peeling Bark – The peeling of bark on certain trees may be a symptom of a disease or an insect infestation, but for others, it is a natural part of their development and also adds to their aesthetic appeal. Almost all trees shed a layer of bark each year in order to create a place for new growth. Peeling bark trees such as the shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), on the other hand, keep the majority of their bark intact on their branches, curling upward and serving as an inspiration for the tree’s common name.

The question, “Why is the bark on one of my trees peeling off?” may cross your mind if you’ve spotted any of your trees with peeling tree bark. While peeling bark on trees is not necessarily a reason for alarm, knowing more about what causes it may help you get a better understanding of the problem and determine what, if anything, should be done to address it.

Trees that lose their bark on a yearly basis may make for striking examples in the landscape. The shag-bark hickory, the paperbark and trident maple trees, the river birch, and the strawberry tree are just a few examples of such trees.

What is causing the bark to peel off my tree?

When the bark of a tree begins to peel away, evaluate whether the tree is going through a natural shedding process or whether an injury or illness is the source of the issue. If you see new bark covering the wood after the old bark has been peeled away, this indicates that the tree is going through its natural shedding process.

If you see exposed wood or fungal mats beneath the peeling bark, it indicates that the tree has been damaged by the environment or is suffering from a disease.

Several Types of Trees with Peeling Bark

Peeling bark from a tree does not necessarily signal the presence of a problem. As a tree develops, the layer of bark increases, and the old, dead bark comes off, revealing a new layer of bark below. It may fall away slowly enough that you don’t even notice it, but other trees have a more spectacular shedding process that might be frightening until you discover that it is quite natural.

The peeling of many trees is a natural phenomenon, and it adds a distinctive element of appeal, particularly in the winter. Silver maple, birch, sycamore, redbud, shagbark hickory, and scotch pine are examples of trees that naturally lose bark in huge pieces and peeling sheets, as well as other species.

Environmental Factors of Peeling Bark Trees

Peeling tree bark may be caused by a variety of environmental causes. It is possible that sun-scald or frost damage is the cause of peeling bark on trees that is restricted to the south or southwest side of the tree and leaves naked wood exposed. This kind of shedding has a negative effect on the tree’s health and lifespan, and the more exposed wood there is, the more likely it is that the tree will die sooner than it would have otherwise.

There is disagreement among horticulturists as to whether wrapping the trunks of trees or coating them with white reflective paint would assist in avoiding sun-scald. In the winter, if you want to wrap the trunk of the tree, be sure to remove the covering before spring so that it doesn’t serve as a breeding ground for insects. Trees with splits in their bark may survive for many years if the damaged region is small and the break is not too deep.

Peeling Tree Bark Disease Symptoms

Hardwood trees with peeling bark may be suffering from hypoxylon canker, a fungal disease that affects hardwood trees. This disease is characterized by peeling bark that is followed by yellowing and drooping leaves as well as decaying branches. Besides that, the timber under the peeling bark is coated with a thick layer of fungus. There is no treatment for this illness, and the tree should be cut down and the wood disposed of in order to avoid the spread of the fungus throughout the environment. As quickly as feasible, take down the tree to avoid property damage and harm from falling limbs.