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Why Does a Tree Lose It's Bark?

Why Does a Tree Lose It's Bark?

Bark falling off trees can be a concerning sight for any homeowner or nature enthusiast. Healthy bark plays…

Oct 11,2023

Bark falling off trees can be a concerning sight for any homeowner or nature enthusiast. Healthy bark plays a crucial role in protecting trees, regulating temperature, and facilitating the transport of nutrients and water. When bark peels away, it’s a good idea to consult a trusted tree care company. At the Sesmas Tree Service, we leverage extensive knowledge and expertise to ensure your trees are healthy and durable. Here are the three most common causes of bark falling off trees to help you understand when and how to act to maintain healthy trees.

Why Does a Tree Lose It's Bark?

The Tree Has Hypoxylon Canker

Hypoxylon canker is a fungal disease affecting various hardwood tree species, including oaks, maples, and hickories. This disease can cause extensive damage to the bark, leading to deterioration and tree removal. 

Fungi from the Hypoxylon genus primarily causes Hypoxylon canker. These fungi invade the inner layers of the tree’s bark and wood, forming cankers. Cankers are dark, sunken areas on the bark, which can eventually cause it to fall prematurely.

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If you suspect your tree has a Hypoxylon canker, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Contact certified arborists for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Pruning and removing affected branches may help contain the disease’s spread. Proper care, including watering and fertilization by a professional tree service, can also enhance the tree’s natural defenses against this pathogen.

Your Tree Is Shedding Old Tissues Off

Sometimes, bark falling off trees can be a natural part of growth and development. As they grow, trees continually renew their bark, and older bark must shed to make way for the new. Trees are equipped with a unique ability to renew themselves. As they grow, the older layers of bark can become less flexible and protective. To accommodate the expanding girth of the tree and maintain a healthy outer layer, the old bark sloughs off naturally.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

If your tree’s bark is shedding in a controlled manner, there’s no cause for concern. This natural process is part of the tree’s life cycle. However, you can help by scheduling routine inspections with a trusted tree care company, ensuring proper watering, mulching, and pruning to support your tree’s health and vitality.

Environmental Factors

Environmental stressors can also lead to bark falling off trees. Extreme weather, mechanical damage, or other external factors can weaken the bark’s integrity and cause it to peel away. During extreme temperature fluctuations, such as freeze-thaw cycles and drought stress, bark cracks easily and falls off. In addition, mechanical damage from lawnmowers, vehicles, or construction activities can cause tree bark to fall off. 

Solution

Preventing bark damage from environmental factors requires proactive measures. Protect your trees from mechanical damage by creating barriers and avoiding activities that could harm them. Maintain proper watering practices to prevent drought stress. For temperature-related issues, consider using mulch to insulate the tree’s base. In cases of severe bark damage, consult a certified tree service expert for rehabilitation and tree protection advice.

Understanding the causes of bark falling off trees is crucial for maintaining healthy trees in your landscape. Whether it’s because of Hypoxylon canker, natural shedding, or environmental factors, prompt action and proper care can help your trees recover and thrive. Contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service and schedule an appointment with our arborists to access quality services, including tree removal.

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