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The Daily Insight

Why is the bark coming off my oak tree?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Published Jun 01, 2026

Why is the bark coming off my oak tree?

While some bark might split at the base of the trunk during the tree’s exfoliation process, oak tree bark that is coming off the trunk is typically the result of pest infestation or disease. Canker is a fungal illness that is worsened by environmental stresses like root injury or drought.

Why is the bark falling off my white oak tree?

The first is that the trees have simply had two drought-free years of growth and the trunks are expanding more rapidly than the bark can accommodate. Another possibility is that the trees have smooth patch disease. This fungus decomposes the outer bark of trees, particularly white oak, and causes it to slough off.

Is it normal for trees to lose bark?

Usually, it’s normal for a tree to lose bark. For some species, like sycamore, silver maple, and birch, shedding large chunks of bark is just one of their charms! Other trees, like oak, pine, ash, and maple, develop from the inside out, so the older bark on top chips away to make room for new bark.

How can you tell if an oak tree is dying?

Decaying Bark. Another sign that your oak tree is dying is the presence of decaying bark. Granted, this isn’t limited strictly to oaks; many species of trees experience this problem.

What to do with bark on oak tree?

Removing the bark will reveal heartwood that is dark brown. The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program recommends drilling a 1/4-inch-wide hole several inches long into infected areas and inserting a copper tube inside to allow fluids to drain out.

The first is that the trees have simply had two drought-free years of growth and the trunks are expanding more rapidly than the bark can accommodate. Another possibility is that the trees have smooth patch disease. This fungus decomposes the outer bark of trees, particularly white oak, and causes it to slough off.

Usually, it’s normal for a tree to lose bark. For some species, like sycamore, silver maple, and birch, shedding large chunks of bark is just one of their charms! Other trees, like oak, pine, ash, and maple, develop from the inside out, so the older bark on top chips away to make room for new bark.

Removing the bark will reveal heartwood that is dark brown. The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program recommends drilling a 1/4-inch-wide hole several inches long into infected areas and inserting a copper tube inside to allow fluids to drain out.

Decaying Bark. Another sign that your oak tree is dying is the presence of decaying bark. Granted, this isn’t limited strictly to oaks; many species of trees experience this problem.