Given the important role your tree’s bark plays in its survival, it can be quite concerning when you see it peeling off. Why is the bark peeling off your tree? Is it a sign your tree needs urgent care?
Read on as we list some of the common causes of tree bark damage and deterioration, guiding you on when to schedule professional tree services in Farmington, CT.
Why Tree Bark Peels Off
Think of the bark as your tree’s external shield, preventing pests and diseases from attacking its internal system. Without it, your tree will become extremely vulnerable. It will have a hard time staying healthy and beautiful.
The good news is that you can treat a tree with peeling bark. Before doing so, though, you’ll need to determine the cause. Here are some of the reasons that cause a tree’s bark to peel off.
1. Weather Damage
The temperature changes that occur throughout the year can take a toll on your tree’s bark. For instance, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can scar sections of your tree’s bark, causing it to die and eventually peel off.
The bark can also peel off because of the cold winter. When the temperature drops, it causes your tree’s inner bark to shrink. Since the inner layer shrinks much more quickly than the outer bark, it can lead to peeling.
2. Tree Disease
Various tree diseases can infect the bark and cambium layer, disrupting the transfer of nutrients and causing bark detachment.
When tree health issues are causing bark peeling, you will often notice other worrying signs. Anthracnose, for example, is a disease that causes your tree’s leaves to turn brown. Cytospora canker, on the other hand, creates dead and sunken areas on the bark.
3. Pests
Tree pests can also cause your tree’s bark peeling. Boring insects, like bark beetles, dig into the inner bark and disrupt the flow of nutrients. These areas then weaken and fall off.
4. Environmental Stress
Is the bark peeling off your tree? Your tree could be experiencing immense environmental stress from the following:
- Drought: The lack of enough moisture can dry the bark, causing it to crack and fall off.
- Poor drainage: Excessive moisture often supports fungal diseases that might affect your tree’s bark.
- Soil compaction: Soil compaction can damage your tree’s roots, which will ultimately result in the bark peeling off.
5. Mechanical Damage
Sometimes, the bark peeling off could result from mechanical damage to the tree. For instance, you could have accidentally torn the bark when mowing your lawn.
6. Normal Growth
While it is understandable to be worried about your tree when its bark is peeling, you won’t always have cause for concern. In certain tree species, the peeling bark is part of their natural growth process. As they develop, their trunk expands, causing the old bark to fall off.
In such a case, your tree will be okay as long as it doesn’t have any signs of unhealthy tree bark.
Enjoy Professional Tree Care in Farmington, CT
Is the bark peeling off your tree? Before sounding the alarm, it’s always best to have a certified arborist evaluate the tree and accurately determine the cause. They will then recommend an ideal solution, from pruning the damaged bark to improving the tree’s growing conditions.
What’s more, since peeling bark is one of the most common reasons to remove a tree, it is especially crucial to consult an arborist early.
Talk to GM 2 Tree Services today at (860) 940-5783 to schedule reliable tree care solutions.
