Trees are an essential part of any landscape, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, when a tree starts losing its bark, it could be a warning sign of serious issues. While some natural shedding occurs, excessive bark loss can indicate disease, decay, or structural instability—posing a risk to your property and safety. Bark is a tree’s natural armor. It protects against pests, harsh weather, and diseases while helping the tree retain moisture. When bark is damaged or missing, the tree becomes vulnerable to infestations, infections, and further deterioration.

Not all bark loss is a reason for alarm, but you should take action if you notice large patches of missing bark exposing bare wood, deep cracks or splits in the trunk, bark peeling from the base upward, and signs of decay, fungus, or pests. The risks of Ignoring Bark Loss can lead to: