The bark of the tree acts as a protective layer. It is just like our skin, which protects our inner organs, the same way the bark protects the tree from external damage. Have you noticed the bark peeling and falling down? Sometimes it is a sign of danger and the attention of emergency tree services and at other times it is a normal routine for the tree.
Many times you would notice that the bark of your tree is peeling and you would get worried about why it is happening. It is best to call in an expert arborist and he will assess the condition of the tree and what needs to be done. There are many reasons for your tree bark to be peeling.
Normal Scenario
Shedding
Trees goes through a process known as shedding, in which the tree peels itself and causes its old layer to fall off and encourages growth of the new layer of the bark. If you see new bark immediately growing after the old, dead bark crumbles away then you would know that it is a normal process. Some trees grow new bark fast while some may take a long time, for which you will take a long time to realize that it is normal for the tree.
Think Bark
Certain trees or species of trees have a very thin bark. They go through the process of peeling bark every year at the same time of the year. If you have had your tree for many years then you would know that it is a normal process for your tree because it has a thin bark. However, it is the same case for all the trees so you will need to check with your professional arborist for tree inspection.
Exfoliation
The tree also goes through the process of exfoliation. It may be fast in some species of tree while slower in some. The process of exfoliation speeds up and is more frequent as the tree gets older. The growth of the tree is dependent on the fibrous and rich tissue deep inside the core. With time the tissue hardens, gets old and begins to crumble giving way to a new, smooth and elastic bark layer which can withstand more pressure and external damage.
Abnormal Scenario
In certain trees the peeling of the bark is not normal. This would indicate that the tree has been through wear and tear due to environmental factors or natural disasters, or has been seriously ill, pest or insect infested or is dead.
Weather And Atmosphere
Environment factors such as draught, sun scalding and frost also cause the peeling of the tree bark. These factors are worst for the growth of your tree as they will affect the lifespan of your tree. Frost and sun scalding are extreme conditions in which one burns the tree due to high heat and the other burns due to extreme cold. Both conditions are detrimental for your tree. Drought is very dry conditions where the tree begins to lose its moisture and there is almost no rainfall. To protect your trees, you can either paint the truck and bark so the layer helps with the weather or cover the bark of the tree and wrap it up so the weather could not reach the tree.
Insect Infestation
Certain types of pests and insects make colonies in the lower bark and trunk of the tree and start to eat the insides which slowly kills the tree. If you notice peeling bark at the lower trunk of the tree or holes inside the bark and trunk, then for sure it is infestation by pests or insects. Mostly insect infestation is done on sick trees, for this you will need to get your tree removed by an arborist.
Hypoxylon Canker
The tree sometimes goes through a peeling bark tree disease. It is a fungal disease also known as Hypoxylon canker. The symptoms of the disease are the yellowing and wilting of the leaves and the small branches may become dead and fall off. The bark under the tree is also covered with a layer of fungus. There is no cure for the disease and the tree should be removed immediately.
If at any point of time you notice bark peeling from your tree, then you should call in an arborist service Chase, Bethesda to check the tree. Many times the tree is under distress and sick and prolonging things may result in the death of the tree.
