Homes and Gardens on MSN: Research into crape myrtle bark scale highlights a natural oil to attract predators Crape myrtle bark scale is an invasive pest spreading across the Southeast US. Researchers have found a natural solution, using orange oil to attract predators ... Research into crape myrtle bark scale highlights a natural oil to attract predators Bark Issues on Trunk (addresses deer damage, too) According to Michigan State University, the bark on a crab apple tree can peel due to several reasons, including normal aging, winter injury, fire blight, and pest infestation.

Understanding the Context

“Split bark, or vertical cracks along the lower tree stem of young trees, most commonly occurs on thin-barked trees like plum trees. Cracks can become long-term open wounds that are more susceptible to wood-boring insects, fungal diseases and wood decay. Sunscald occurs when the cambium cells under the bark heat up during sunny winter day. One of my tree's bark is turning white at its base.

Key Insights

There were some small insects traveling through this area. Is this something I should worry abou... Another possibility is that another nearby tree fell and scraped off bark as it went. How does the leafy canopy look? Healthy and full?

Final Thoughts

Given how close the tree is to homes, you may want to have an ISA-certified arborist (tree health expert) evaluate the tree for structural integrity. You can search for a certified arborist at the credentialing ... Hello, my tulip tree (likely over 50 years 0ld) has marks of borer infestation around the base of the tree and up the trunk. Where the bark can be re...