Question
QUESTION: I have a yellow Lady Banks climbing rose bush that is about eight years old. It stands about eight feet tall with support from a heavy duty trellis. The trellis is not tight nor is the bush tied to such. There are no signs of bugs, mold or any noticable disease. It does not stand in wet or soggy soild either.  The bark just seems to be coming off in long dried out sheets. It appears to curl off, but that may just be from the round stems. This has been going on for over a year. The new growth continues to appear, but the bush does not bloom as much as it did about three years ago. I do prune it in a timly manner each spring.  Any help would be appreciated. This was an anniversary gift to my husband and it is his pride and joy.

ANSWER: Althea:
I don't think this is any type of disease, but can you send a closeup photo of a section of a stem with the peeling bark? I would like to show it to some of my colleagues just to be sure.  Be sure to review it on your computer first- to be sure it is in focus before sending.
Thanks

Steve

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peeling bark   QUESTION: The rose bush is about ten foot tall and most of the problem is in the lower three to four feet. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Althea:
Thanks for the photo.  This particular area looks quite deep into the stem.  There looks to be some dead tissue present.  With you fingernail, scratch the bark above this area.  If it is brown, consider pruning out these types of areas, especially if the leaves above are brown or not present.
This area does not look healthy.  Consider removing.
Regards
Steve