Why Is My Apple Tree Losing Bark?

Bark peeling, splitting or falling away from an apple tree can look alarming, but the cause and significance vary enormously depending on where on the tree the bark loss is occurring, what the exposed wood looks like underneath, and whether the tree's foliage and overall vigour appear normal. Some bark loss is completely normal in mature trees; other bark changes indicate serious disease or structural damage that requires prompt attention.

Natural bark exfoliation on mature trees

As apple trees mature, the outer layers of bark naturally crack, curl and peel away in irregular plates, revealing slightly smoother, lighter bark underneath. This is entirely normal in trees over ten to fifteen years old and requires no action. The underlying wood is sound and the tree is healthy. The natural shedding of older bark actually removes some overwintering insect eggs and fungal spores, which is beneficial.

Apple canker

Canker causes sunken, dead areas of bark that crack, dry out, and eventually fall away, leaving a distinctive sunken crater in the branch. The exposed wood is dry, orange-brown and dead rather than the healthy, living wood visible under natural bark peel. See the apple canker page for full diagnosis and treatment. Infected wood must be cut out cleanly to prevent the canker from spreading further around the branch.

Frost crack

A sudden severe frost following a mild spell — particularly a rapid temperature drop overnight after a warm day — can cause the bark and outer wood to contract suddenly and split. Frost cracks are usually long, vertical splits on the trunk or main branches. The exposed wood is healthy-looking. The crack may close and callus over in following seasons; protect the wound from canker entry by cleaning the edges with a sharp knife and applying wound sealant. Frost cracks are more common in exposed sites and on trees that have been heavily watered or fertilised late in the season (which delays hardening off).

Waterlogging and root death

When roots are killed by prolonged waterlogging, the bark on the trunk and lower branches may peel and slough off as the phloem (the living inner bark layer) dies due to lack of water and nutrient supply. This is a serious condition and the bark loss may be a sign the tree is in terminal decline if the waterlogging has been prolonged. Improve drainage urgently if this is the cause.