While peeling bark could be a sign of physical damage, like from insects, frost, or lightning, other trees will shed bark naturally.
Trees have a lot of different characteristics that make them great assets to your home’s landscape. They might have an interesting leaf shape or color that you admire or flowers with some stunning aromas and a special overall canopy in your yard. Peeling bark is also something you may notice with a couple of your trees. In fact, trees shedding their bark will bring special color patterns and textures. The decorative peeling bark will add a new element that gives your trees additional character throughout the year. While peeling bark could be a sign of physical damage, like from insects, frost, or lightning, other trees will shed bark naturally. Read on to learn more!
What Does Shedding Bark Mean?
When it comes to trees that do shed bark, you may find this peeling occurring on their trunks, as well as with smaller branches. You will also find that tree species could exhibit shedding bark much differently. A few trees shed in bigger chunks, while others have bark that peels in paper-style sheets. Why does this occur? Tree bark thickens once the tree grows. The inner layers are more soft, while the outer layers are made up of thicker tissue. As your tree grows, it pushes the trunk outward, cracking all of the bark. This results in the outer bark being sloughed off to expose the inner layers. In fact, many trees shed bark, but in many species, it’s way more noticeable.
Why Do Trees Shed Their Bark During the Summer?
For a couple of species, it is a totally normal occurrence in the summer months. It is a part of a tree’s normal aging process. If you notice more bark shedding than usual, it can be a result of more windy or hot days. It can also just be a specific species that will shed more heavily, including the American sycamore, silver maples, redbuds, bald cypress, crape myrtles, and a few birch species. In a few cases, bark loss could also indicate an issue. Diseases and environmental stressors, for example, can cause bark splitting, cankers, and open wounds. A certified arborist could correctly assess your tree and give it the care it requires to diagnose, treat, and prevent these problems.
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, and 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 and Twitter.