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The Bark Is Falling Off My Tree. Why Is This Happening

Trees can lose their bark due to healthy, natural factors such as tree growth or the variety of the tree. However, serious tree diseases and tree pest infestations are cause for alarm.

What Diseases Causes Bark To Fall Off Trees?

  • Hypoxylon Canker: Hypoxylon canker has destroyed millions of oak trees throughout Texas, and its presence in Southlake is increasing rapidly. This lethal fungal pathogen infects all oak varieties and targets trees that are stressed, weak or wounded, making them vulnerable to disease infection. At first, infected trees will exhibit a thinning canopy, yellowed leaves, and reduced new growth. Crusty areas on the tree’s bark and brownish-black places of bark falling develop in the later stages of disease progression. The tree will die quickly if early treatment is not administered; therefore, contact an experienced tree company immediately when you have a sick tree or observe any of the above-stated symptoms.
  • Dutch Elm: This deadly tree threat is decimating elm trees of all varieties in Southlake and the mid-cities and its presence are increasing swiftly! Premature defoliation, dead branches, and wilted leaves are beginning symptoms of DED infection. The diseased tree will eventually develop brittle, peeling bark. Dutch elm disease will destroy the tree in less than eight weeks so enlisting the services of arbor care professional if you sense your tree is ailing or notice symptoms indicative of DED is of prime importance.
  • Fireblight: Damp, cool spring Texas weather causes this bacterial pathogen to thrive. Fireblight targets fruit trees that produce pome (pit-centered) fruit and spreads rapidly throughout your outdoor grounds. Infected trees develop unsightly foliage and new twig growth turns black and curls. In the later stages of disease progression, the tree’s bark blackens, becomes brittle and peels and falls off the tree. There is no cure for fireblight so it is imperative to call an arborist that treats sick trees when your fruit trees are appearing sickly or these symptoms are present.

What Insect Pests Make Tree Bark Fall Off?

  • Wood Borers: The damage these terrorizing insect pests inflict upon a tree is irreversible. The infested tree will at first exhibit premature defoliation, reduction of new growth, wilted leaves and dead branches. The tree’s bark becomes brittle, falls off and D-shaped holes cover the bark along the trunk and branches. Without early treatment and elimination, these insects will ultimately destroy the tree. Contact a tree expert promptly if your tree is exhibiting these symptoms or appears to be unhealthy.
  • Pine Bark Beetles: Due to warming temperatures throughout the United States, these heat-loving beetles are increasing rapidly in Southlake and North Texas. No fir tree variety is immune to pine bark beetle infestation. They target weak and damaged trees and inflict the tree with a thinning appearance. The tree’s bark eventually develops pin-dot holes and becomes brittle and flakes off. Remember, if the tree appears as if it’s either dead or about to die then it cannot be saved! Call a tree doctor immediately if your evergreen tree is declining in health or if you observe beetles on your tree or outdoor grounds.

When Is It Okay For The Bark To Fall Off Trees?

Natural Tree Growth Process:

Young trees shed their bark as they grow larger. This is part of the natural tree growth process and is certainly no reason to be concerned.

Tree Varieties:

It is normal for numerous tree varieties to shed their bark in large pieces or long strips. Some of these common varieties include silver maple, redbud, sycamore, and birch. Call an experienced tree company and schedule a free consultation with a tree care specialist if you are wondering if your tree is a bark-shedding variety.

How Can I Find Out What Is Causing The Bark To Fall Off?

Always entrust the care of your trees and residential outdoor environment to the best arborist in Southlake, Texas. The ISA certified arborist will evaluate the tree and complete a diagnosis report. If the tree expert determines the tree is infected with a tree disease or infested by tree pests then the specific treatment will be administered to rid your tree of the destructive nemesis. The best way to combat damaging tree diseases and insect pests is to prevent them from ever invading your trees!

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