Tree bark is a protective layer that prevents insects from damaging the trunk of your tree. Bark falling off of trees is a normal part of the growth cycle. However, if it continues to happen, this could be an issue with your tree, and you should seek help from a professional tree services immediately.
This can prevent further damage to your property and ensure that no one gets hurt by fallen branches or debris. This article will go over some of these reasons and give you tips on preventing them from happening in the future.
Diseases
If the tree’s bark is constantly being broken and exposing its trunk, there are other problems with the tree’s roots, trunk, or main branches. Usually, it is a result of diseases such as fungal rot or canker. Zach from Touch Trees is of the opinion that you should have an investigation to find out why the tree has issues. And to, of course, address them accordingly and keep your tree healthy in the future while preventing further damage.
Lack of water
If you notice that your tree isn’t getting enough water, there may be an issue with the roots, leading to other problems such as fungus or insects damaging it from within.
If you live in arid areas with very little rainfall, keeping a tree well-watered is especially important. You can also have a professional come and check to see if there’s any damage from insects or fungus that may be causing the lack of water uptake in your plants. This could potentially mean root rot which will cause more serious issues later on down the line.
Nutrients Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can also be a significant cause of bark falling off trees. If your tree hasn’t been getting the proper nutrients, it may become weak and vulnerable to other issues such as disease or infestation from pests like termites.
If you notice that your leaves are turning yellow even though you fertilize them regularly, there’s a chance that your tree isn’t getting the proper nutrients because it may be ill.
It would be best to have this checked by a professional to determine what nutrients are missing and how you can replace them to make sure your trees stay healthy for years to come.
Planting Technique
Bark falling off trees could also mean the tree was planted too deeply in its pot, preventing water from draining properly through the roots. Make sure you’re not planting your potted plants too deeply and that you’re using the appropriate size pot for your tree. It’s also essential to ensure that you’re doing proper research on the plant before buying it, so you have an idea of how much sunlight or water is needed. It will help keep them healthy.
Mowers
Tree bark can also become damaged by lawnmowers. This is why it’s essential to make sure that your lawnmower blade isn’t too sharp and you are only cutting the grass, not ripping chunks of bark off with it. It would help if you never used a weed whacker on trees because the process will do more damage than good.
Tree bark provides a layer of insulation to the tree, keeping it warm during winter and cool during summer. If you mow your lawn too close to trees in late fall or early spring, this will cause moisture loss from the roots of the plants, which can lead to irreversible damage.
You should always avoid damaging any part of a tree if you can help it, and this includes its bark because the tree doesn’t do much more than serving as a natural fence for your garden or yard.
Poor Water Drainage
Tree bark can fall off trees when water is repeatedly running over it in a storm drain or if the rain barrel you have isn’t draining properly and pooling up against your tree’s trunk. It leads to rotting bark that falls right off because the tree no longer has any support underneath itself.
It’s best to make sure that your gutters are clear and draining properly, so this doesn’t happen. You can also invest in a rain barrel with a properly draining spout to ensure the water runs off your property, rather than pooling up against any sensitive parts.
Extreme Climate Changes
This is due to a combination of factors, including storms, too much heat, frost, not enough moisture in the ground, and bugs feeding on them when they are already weak. The result is that many trees will die out because their bark acts as armor against predators.
Additionally, tree bark is sensitive to sun exposure. If your trees are constantly in the shade, they will develop a thick layer of bark that is not healthy. The best way to prevent this is by planting more trees around them so that when they grow larger, there won’t be any problems with their sunlight exposure.
Rodent/Pest Infestation
Pests and rodents can also be to blame for bark falling off of trees. If you notice holes or chew marks, this may mean rodents are trying to eat your tree. Sometimes, these pests can even cause a tree’s roots and main branches to become weak, so remove them as soon as possible.
This can be prevented with pest control and ensuring that your home has no holes leading to the outside where rodents could quickly get in.
In summary, It’s no secret that trees are a vital part of our ecosystem. Not only do they provide us with oxygen and shade during the summer months, but they also help to keep bugs from getting into your home.
However, as time passes on, some trees may start to lose their bark for various reasons. The most common causes for bark falling off of trees are poor water drainage, nutrient deficiencies in the soil, and extreme climate changes. If you notice that your tree’s bark has started to fall off because it looks like a wood chip trail leading up to its trunk, then there may be something wrong with the root system underneath it as well.
It would help schedule an appointment with a certified arborist to determine what’s causing your bark to fall off. They will know what the problem is, how to fix it and if there’s anything you can do to help your trees stay healthy for years to come.
