Why Is Bark Falling Off My Tree? (Oak, Pine, Ash, Maple & More) Insects & Diseases Tree bark plays a vital role in protecting your trees from environmental threats and supporting their health. So when you notice bark coming off a tree in your yard, it’s natural to wonder if something’s wrong. While bark loss is sometimes part of a tree’s natural life cycle, it can also signal underlying stress, disease, or damage. This guide will help you determine whether bark shedding is normal—or if your tree might need professional tree service to stay healthy. When Bark Shedding Is Normal Some tree species naturally shed bark as part of their growth process. If your tree is otherwise healthy, with no signs of stress, insects, or damage, peeling bark might be completely normal. Here are a few tree species known for regular bark shedding: Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): Peels in large sheets to reveal smooth, pale inner bark. This is completely normal. River Birch (Betula nigra): Features layers of thin, papery bark that flake away regularly as the tree matures. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata): Named for its long, shaggy bark strips that naturally peel from the trunk. In these cases, shedding bark helps the tree grow and is part of its built-in renewal process. But if bark is coming off other species, like oak, maple, pine, or ash, it may be worth a closer look. Common Causes of Bark Loss & When to Be Concerned If you’re noticing bark coming off tree trunks on your property, the cause might be as simple as natural shedding, or it could point to deeper issues that require attention. If the bark coming off your tree seems excessive, widespread, or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms—like discolored leaves or dead branches—it’s time to dig deeper. From drought stress to fungal infections, there are a number of factors that can cause bark to crack, peel, or fall away entirely. Below, we break down the most common causes so you can better understand what’s happening and whether your tree needs extra care. Drought Stress & Extreme Weather One of the most common causes of bark coming off a tree is environmental stress. Dry conditions and heat waves often lead to bark coming off oak tree trunks or branches, especially in young trees with shallow roots. When moisture levels drop, the bark can shrink, crack, and begin to fall away. Tip: Applying mulch and practicing deep, consistent watering can help your tree stay healthy through temperature extremes and dry spells. Sunscald & Frost Cracking In colder regions, rapid winter warm-ups followed by freezing temperatures can lead to frost cracks. The sun heats the bark during the day, only for temperatures to plummet at night. This causes the bark to expand and contract, often leading to vertical splits. This kind of damage is particularly common in young or thin-barked trees, especially maple tree varieties and fruit trees. Preventive care includes wrapping the trunk with burlap or commercial tree wrap during winter months, which helps protect the bark and maintain a consistent temperature around the trunk. Fungal Infections & Tree Diseases Peeling bark can be a symptom of underlying tree disease. Fungal infections weaken the bark and can lead to dead spots, cracking, and eventual bark loss. Here are a few examples: Hypoxylon Canker (affects oaks, sycamores, aspens): Causes dark, sunken lesions and bark sloughing. Cytospora Canker (common in spruce and pine tree varieties): Leads to discolored, sunken bark and oozing sap. Anthracnose (commonly seen in maples and sycamores): Often appears as blackened leaf spots and patchy bark peeling. If you notice bark peeling, dark lesions, or discolored patches on the trunk or branches, a fungal infection may be the underlying cause. While fungal infections are often difficult to reverse once symptoms appear, early identification still allows SavATree’s ISA Certified Arborists to implement supportive treatments, such as ArborKelp®, ArborHealth®, and ArborBalance, to mitigate severity and strengthen the tree’s natural defenses. These applications are typically most effective as a preventive measure and may be recommended in the following season as part of a long-term management plan. Insect Infestations & Bark Beetles Boring insects are another leading cause of bark loss in trees. These insects bore into the tree and lay eggs. The resulting larvae feed on the inner tissues, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients. Many species, such as bark beetles, also carry fungal pathogens like Ophiostoma, which is known for causing blue stain fungus and further impairs the tree’s water movement and overall health. Watch for these warning signs: Tiny exit holes Sawdust-like frass at the base of the tree Visible tunneling under the bark Specific examples: Bark beetles commonly infest oak and pine trees, especially those already under stress. Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) targets ash tree varieties, often causing severe bark splitting and dieback. A telltale sign of emerald ash borer activity is bark coming off ash tree trunks in wide strips, often exposing tunneling underneath. If you live in an area where Emerald Ash Borer is present, proactive treatment is critical. If left untreated, affected trees will inevitably decline and die. If bark is coming off ash tree trunks in large chunks, and you're noticing canopy thinning or branch dieback, insect infestations could be the culprit. Lightning Strikes & Physical Damage Lightning can cause dramatic bark splitting as the charge travels through a tree’s vascular system. The heat vaporizes moisture in the trunk, sometimes blowing the bark right off. Other causes of physical bark damage include: Lawn equipment like mowers or weed whippers Construction impact or mechanical injury Pets or wildlife (rabbits, deer, squirrels) Deer are notorious for rubbing their antlers on trunks, which can strip bark and damage the underlying cambium layer. Rabbits may chew around the base of young trees in winter, potentially girdling the trunk and cutting off nutrient flow entirely. Squirrels can also break off small branches or strip bark from limbs, leading to dieback and exposure to pests or disease. Many homeowners choose to wrap young trees with a protective barrier to prevent this kind of damage. SavATree’s DeerTech® deterrents can also help minimize deer activity around your landscape If you notice vertical bark splits, exposed wood, or unusual bark patterns after a storm, the tree may have been struck or physically damaged. This kind of trauma can result in symptoms like bark falling off pine tree trunks shortly after a storm or mechanical incident. How to Identify If Your Tree Needs Help Not all bark loss is a red flag—but knowing the difference between harmless shedding and a more serious issue is key to protecting your tree’s long-term health. A quick inspection of the trunk, leaves, and surrounding bark can reveal whether your tree is thriving or showing signs of stress, disease, or decline. Here’s how to tell if your tree is simply going through a normal phase—or if it’s time to take action. Signs That Bark Loss Is Harmless Not all bark shedding is a problem, and knowing how to tell if a tree is dead versus simply shedding can help you avoid unnecessary concern. In fact, here are a few signs that it’s just part of a healthy process: Peeling bark reveals a smooth, greenish, or healthy-looking layer underneath Shedding is limited to small areas and is not progressing quickly The tree has full, green leaves and shows no signs of insect or fungal damage Trees shed bark to make way for new growth, especially during periods of active development. Signs Your Tree May Be in Trouble If you’re asking yourself, “does bark falling off my tree mean it's dead?”—look for red flags like soft wood, canopy dieback, or girdling, which could indicate serious decline. Other signs of tree decline include: Large patches of bark that are falling off and exposing bare wood Bark loss near the trunk base or on multiple sides Peeling bark combined with dead branches, discolored leaves, or soft spots Signs of fungus, oozing sap, or tiny holes from insects If bark is peeling all the way around the trunk—a condition called girdling—it can disrupt nutrient flow and result in the death of the tree above that point. What to Do If Your Tree’s Bark Is Peeling Whether your tree is shedding bark due to stress, disease, or a natural growth cycle, timely care can make all the difference. Taking a few proactive steps can help minimize damage, support recovery, and prevent the problem from getting worse. Here’s a step-by-step approach to evaluating the situation and giving your tree the support it needs. Step 1 – Assess the Damage Start by examining your tree closely. Walk around the base and inspect all sides of the trunk, looking for peeling bark, cracks, or insect activity. If you're noticing bark coming off the limbs or trunks of oak tree varieties, check for signs of stress like curled leaves or branch dieback. Determine whether the issue is widespread or confined to a small area. This will help you decide if the tree needs intervention or if it's going through a normal growth process. Step 2 – Provide Proper Tree Care Basic tree care can go a long way in restoring tree health and preventing further bark loss: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry months. Avoid overwatering. Apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch around the tree's base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and other bark-related issues. Consider SavATree’s ArborHealth® tree fertilization applications or ArborKelp® biostimulant applications to support root development and overall health. A certified arborist can tailor the nutrient plan to your tree species and soil conditions. Step 3 – Protect the Tree from Further Damage Prevention is key to keeping bark intact and trees strong. Here’s how: Tree Wrapping: Use burlap or commercial wrap in late fall to guard against winter injury like sunscald and frost cracks. Pruning: Carefully trim away loose or dead bark to reduce the risk of fungal infections and improve air circulation. Better airflow can reduce moisture buildup and help prevent fungal diseases. Animal Protection: Install tree guards or fencing to prevent chewing and bark stripping by wildlife. This is especially important for young trees. Proper protection encourages new growth while safeguarding the tree from future harm. Step 4 – Call an ISA Certified Arborist If you're unsure whether bark loss is part of a natural process or a sign of decline, it’s time to bring in a professional. A SavATree ISA Certified Arborist can: Diagnose tree health issues Identify the cause of bark peeling Recommend appropriate treatment or removal, if needed Provide tailored tree care plans for ongoing support Sometimes, the best move you can make for your landscape is getting expert eyes on the problem early. When in Doubt, Trust What the Bark Is Telling You While some bark shedding is expected in certain tree species, it’s not something to overlook—especially in trees like oak, maple, pine, and ash. Bark coming off a tree may be a harmless seasonal occurrence, or it could indicate a more serious problem like disease, infestation, or environmental stress. Knowing the signs and seeking timely support can help protect your trees and preserve your outdoor space. If you're unsure what's causing the issue, SavATree’s certified arborists are here to help with expert diagnosis and tailored care to keep your landscape thriving. With the right attention and support, your trees can stay healthy, resilient, and beautiful for years to come. Sources: Arbor Day Foundation. Are Your Trees Stressed? https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/are-your-trees-stressed Texas A&M Forest Service. What’s Wrong With My Tree? My Tree’s Bark Is Peeling. https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/TFS_Main/Urban_and_Community_Forestry/About_Urban_and_Community_Forestry/Urban_Forest_Information_Sheets/What's%20wrong%20with%20my%20Tree%20-%20My%20Tree's%20Bark%20is%20Peeling.pdf U.S. Forest Service. Tree Owner’s Manual. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.