No one likes when their tree bark starts to fall off and there are numerous potential causes.
As a homeowner, you take pride in keeping your home and property well maintained. That can include the landscaping: flower beds, shrubs, and trees. You may have even planted some trees when you bought the house. All of these things beautify and add value to the property and enhance your enjoyment of it. You do your best to keep the grass mowed, the weeds under control, and the bushes trimmed. But what should you do if you notice that the bark is peeling off some of your trees?
Part of the Growth Process
According to horticulturists and tree care technicians, in many cases, it is normal for a tree to shed some of its bark. When a tree grows, the bark moves outward and may crack and fall off. This is part of the growth process and you will see bark underneath, indicating a healthy tree.
Types of Trees that Shed Bark
Some trees shed their bark more than others. For example, sycamore trees have bark that flakes off in large chunks or sheets. The bark underneath it is a whitish gray color. While it may look a little strange, it is completely normal and not cause for alarm. Other trees that shed bark include redbud, silver maple, and birch.
Environmental Causes
If your tree has peeling bark and you can see bare wood underneath, this could indicate a problem. A number of things could have caused the bark to fall off: animal damage, being struck by lightning, or a branch that was not properly removed. If the bark that is falling off is located on the south or southwest side of the tree, it could be caused by frost damage.
Disease
If the tree has leaves that are yellow and wilting along with branches that are dying, that could be a sign of disease. Hypoxylon canker is a disease caused by a fungus that you can see matted under the peeling bark. If a tree on your property has this disease, you should have it removed so that the fungus doesn’t spread to other trees or plants in your landscape.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.