Question
I have several tulip trees (North Central Indiana) and every summer several large and small limbs lose their bark, almost as if the bark has been shredded.  The limbs bark peels off from the tip to the trunk and eventually the limb falls to the ground. By the time I notice the bark peeling off, there are no leaves on the branch. I'm afraid the trees will eventually die.  Any suggestions?   Thanks!

Answer
Brian:

I am not aware of an infectious disease that may causes these symptoms. This may occur as a result of root stress (e.g. hot/dry conditions). Just make sure it is being watered to avoid drought stress and fertilized according to a recent soil test that you can have done through your local county Extension Service- usually for free. Most importantly, keep stringtrimmers and lawnmowers away from the trunk- these things are usually death sentences! Keep an eye out each spring to see how well it leafs out.  If it starts to thin out, this may be an indication of internal dacay, that may ultimately cause the tree to fail- at which time, it may be best to make firewood out of it, especially if persons or property could be damaged.

Hope this helps

Steve