Why Is My Ash Tree Losing Its Bark? (SOLUTIONS)

Have you noticed your ash trees losing their bark? Bark loss in ash trees is a common problem, but one that can be easily solved.

In this article, well take a look at some of the most common causes of bark loss, from environmental stress to fungal infections, pest infestations, and mechanical damage.

Well also discuss how to diagnose and treat bark loss in ash trees so that you can restore your trees to their natural beauty.

Keep reading to learn more!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

There are a number of reasons why an ash tree might be losing its bark.

It could be due to natural causes, such as the tree growing and shedding its outer layer of bark, or it could be due to environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures, drought, or insect infestations.

It could also be due to disease or fungi that are affecting the tree.

If the tree is consistently losing bark, it’s best to contact an arborist to assess the cause and determine the best course of action.

Common Causes of Bark Loss in Ash Trees

Bark loss in ash trees is often caused by environmental stress, fungal infections, pest infestations, mechanical damage, and extreme weather.

Environmental stress can be a result of drought, nutrient deficiency, or transplant shock.

Fungal infections can occur when the tree is exposed to moisture for an extended period of time.

Pests such as mites, aphids, and borers can feast on the bark and cause it to become thin and brittle.

Mechanical damage from lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other tools can also cause bark to be lost.

Lastly, extreme weather such as heavy snow, ice, and wind can cause bark to be removed or stripped from the tree.

Therefore, its important to identify the cause of the bark loss in order to take the appropriate steps to help your ash tree recover.

Early diagnosis and care can help to prevent further damage and preserve the health of the tree.

This includes regular inspections of the tree, especially during periods of stress or after extreme weather.

If bark loss is noticed, its important to take steps to assess the cause and take the necessary steps to protect the tree.

For example, if the bark loss is due to a fungal infection, spraying fungicides can help to control the spread of the infection.

If the bark loss is caused by mites or borers, insecticides can help to control the population of pests.

Additionally, if the bark loss is due to mechanical damage, its important to ensure that all tools are kept away from the tree in order to prevent further damage.

Lastly, if the bark loss is due to drought or nutrient deficiency, providing the tree with extra water and nutrients can help to reduce the stress on the tree.

By understanding the causes of bark loss in ash trees and taking the appropriate steps to address the issue, you can help to protect your tree from further damage and preserve its health.

Environmental Stress

Environmental stress is one of the most common causes of bark loss in ash trees.

Environmental stress can be caused by a number of factors, including extreme temperatures, drought, and soil conditions.

Extreme temperatures can cause the bark to crack and flake off, while drought can cause the bark to dry out and become brittle.

Soil conditions can also play a role, as certain types of soils can be more prone to bark loss due to their acidity or alkalinity.

Additionally, if the ash tree is planted in a location that is too exposed or receives too much direct sunlight, this can also lead to bark loss.

To help reduce environmental stress, it is important to ensure that the tree is planted in a suitable location and given adequate water and nutrients.

Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels, as these can have a significant impact on the health of the tree.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can be one of the causes of ash tree bark loss.

Fungal pathogens can live in the bark of the tree and cause it to become weak and brittle over time.

This can lead to the bark cracking and peeling away from the trunk, leaving the tree vulnerable to further damage.

It is important to identify the type of fungus causing the infection in order to provide the appropriate treatment.

Common fungal infections that can cause bark loss include ash dieback, ash anthracnose, and ash powdery mildew.

Ash dieback is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, and causes lesions to form on the bark of the tree.

These lesions can weaken and crack the bark, leading to it falling off.

Ash anthracnose is caused by the fungus Discula fraxinea and causes spots to form on the bark of the tree.

These spots can cause the bark to become weak and start peeling away from the trunk.

Ash powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe alphitoides and causes a white powdery substance to form on the bark.

This can cause the bark to become weak and start to peel away from the trunk.

If you suspect your ash tree is suffering from a fungal infection, it is important to contact a qualified arborist or tree specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

They will be able to identify the type of fungus and provide the appropriate treatment to help your ash tree recover.

Treatment may include pruning affected branches, applying fungicides, and using protective sprays to prevent further damage.

Early diagnosis and care can help to preserve the health of your tree and prevent further damage.

Pest Infestations

Pest infestations can be a major cause of bark loss on ash trees.

Some of the common pests that may attack ash trees include borers, aphids, scale, and leafhoppers.

Borers are larvae that feed on the inner bark and can cause severe damage if left unchecked.

Aphids feed on the underside of leaves and can cause distorted or discolored foliage.

Scale insects also feed on the leaves and can cause discoloration and distortion.

Leafhoppers can feed on the foliage and sap, which can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves.

All of these pests can cause significant damage to an ash tree, leading to bark loss.

To prevent and combat pest infestations on an ash tree, it is important to practice proper tree care.

This includes pruning and removing dead or diseased branches, using mulch to help the tree retain moisture, and regularly checking for signs of pest damage.

If an infestation is noticed, it should be addressed quickly with a combination of chemical treatments and cultural controls.

Chemical treatments should only be used as a last resort, and it is important to research the type of pest and the kind of treatment that is appropriate for the tree’s specific needs.

Cultural controls such as the use of beneficial insects and the removal of infected leaves can also be effective in controlling pest populations.

Mechanical Damage

Mechanical damage is one of the more common causes of bark loss in ash trees.

This type of damage is usually caused by human activity and can happen in a number of ways.

For example, vehicles driving too close to the tree can cause physical damage to the bark, as can the use of lawn mowers or trimmers.

Even the use of a ladder or climbing gear to prune or inspect the tree can cause mechanical damage.

If the tree is near construction, the vibrations from heavy equipment can also be a cause.

Mechanical damage can also be a result of improper pruning, as too much or too aggressive pruning can cause the bark to weaken and flake off.

It is important to take extra care when using any kind of equipment near the tree and to properly care for the tree when pruning.

If mechanical damage is the cause of the bark loss, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of further damage, such as avoiding driving too close to the tree and taking extra care when pruning.

Additionally, it is important to inspect the tree regularly to ensure that the bark is not becoming weakened or damaged.

Extreme Weather

Extreme weather can be a cause for bark loss in ash trees.

When temperatures drop too low, bark can become brittle and break off.

This is often due to frost cracking, which occurs when the bark freezes and then expands when thawed.

It can also be caused by wind damage, which can lead to bark being stripped away.

Additionally, high temperatures can cause bark to become dry and brittle, leading to cracking and flaking.

To protect your ash tree from extreme weather, it is important to ensure that it is planted in a sheltered location, away from strong winds and cold drafts.

Additionally, make sure that the tree has enough water, especially during dry periods.

Mulch can help to retain moisture and keep the bark hydrated.

Pruning branches can help to reduce the tree’s exposure to wind and frost, and can also help to improve overall air circulation.

Finally, using a tree wrap or paint during winter can help to insulate the bark and protect it from the cold.

Diagnosing and Treating Bark Loss in Ash Trees

Bark loss in ash trees is a serious issue that requires prompt attention. Diagnosing the cause of the bark loss is the first step in determining the best course of treatment. Here are some of the most common factors that can cause bark loss in ash trees:

1. Environmental Stress: Environmental stress is one of the most common causes of bark loss in ash trees. This can include extreme temperatures, drought, improper soil pH, and nutrient deficiencies. It is important to monitor the environment around your ash tree and take steps to address any possible environmental stressors.

2. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can cause bark loss in ash trees as well. Fungi such as armillaria root rot and phytophthora root rot can cause bark to become discolored, soft, and flaky. If left untreated, these infections can spread and cause extensive damage to the tree.

3. Pest Infestations: Pests such as aphids, scale, and borers can also cause bark loss in ash trees. These pests can feed on the trees bark, causing it to become discolored, thinned, or even missing in some cases. Regularly monitoring your ash tree for signs of pest infestations and taking steps to address them promptly can help to prevent further damage to the tree.

4. Mechanical Damage: Mechanical damage can also cause bark loss in ash trees. This can occur from a variety of sources, such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and other gardening tools. It is important to take steps to prevent mechanical damage, such as using protective barriers around the tree and avoiding contact with the bark.

5. Extreme Weather: Extreme weather can also contribute to bark loss in ash trees. This can include strong winds, hail, ice, and snow. Taking steps to protect your tree from extreme weather can help to minimize the risk of bark loss.

Once the cause of the bark loss has been identified, the next step is to take steps to address it.

For example, if the cause is environmental stress, then steps should be taken to adjust the environment around the tree to reduce stress.

If the cause is a fungal infection, then a fungicidal treatment should be applied to help prevent further spread of the infection.

In cases of pest infestations, insecticidal treatments should be applied to address the pests.

And if the cause is mechanical damage, then steps should be taken to protect the tree from further damage.

Taking steps to diagnose and address the cause of bark loss in ash trees is the best way to ensure the health and longevity of the tree.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further damage and preserve the health of the tree.

Taking care of your ash tree is an important part of keeping it healthy and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to ash trees, bark loss can be caused by a variety of factors, from environmental stress to extreme weather.

Being able to identify the cause of the bark loss is essential in order to take the right steps to help your tree recover.