Have you noticed the bark falling off any of your trees? Is this something to worry about, particularly knowing that a tree bark serves as a protective layer?
This phenomenon isn’t always a cause for concern. However, understanding what causes bark to fall off trees will help you know when to take action to maintain healthy trees.
In this blog post, we take a deeper look into why trees shed their bark, as explained by professionals from a reputable tree removal company in Littleton.
Top Three Reasons Your Tree Has Peeling Bark
Is your hardwood tree shedding its bark? You could be dealing with any of these issues:
The Tree Has Hypoxylon Canker
You can’t talk about what causes bark to fall off trees without mentioning the fungal disease known as Hypoxylon canker. But how can you tell this condition has affected your tree?
Your tree will not only lose its bark, but the leaves will also turn yellow and wilt. The branches may also start dying.
Sadly, you can’t treat a Hypoxylon canker. You must have the tree removed and destroyed. The last thing you want is the fungus to spread to other trees in your yard.
Your Tree Is Shedding Old Tissues Off
You probably thought only snakes shed their old skin. However, trees also do it!
So if you notice your tree peeling its bark, it could be for a healthy reason. Some trees peel their bark as a way to shed old layers of fibrous tissues and regenerate new ones.
Old tree bark often becomes dry and loses its elasticity. This process leads to the bark cracking and splitting. Trees species like white paper birch may even develop a curled structure.
Trees that peel their bark to simply exfoliate include redbuds, silver maples, sycamores, and birch. This process usually occurs in phases and when your tree starts aging.
Various Environmental Factors Cause Bark To Fall off Trees
Your tree may lose its healthy bark due to sunscald, frost damage, or other environmental factors. This kind of shedding can make your tree unhealthy and reduce its lifespan. If peeled bark exposes a large part of the wood, your tree will not likely survive.
Trees Vulnerable to Peeling Bark
Many tree species are naturally prone to peeling bark. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are unhealthy. Don’t worry if any of these trees in your yard start shedding their bark:
- Redbud
- Sycamore
- Scotch pine
- Silver maple
- Shagbark hickory
Contact Your Local Tree Experts for Assistance
Now that you understand what causes bark to fall off trees, you’ll know what to do next time any of your trees start shedding their bark. It’s always best to consult a professional to ensure you do the right thing and won’t cause further damage. You can trust Tree Keepers LLC with all your tree care needs in Littleton, CO. Call us at (720) 534-2872 for a free estimate and to learn more about dead tree removal.