Question

Pieces of Bark  

Limb minus bark   Hi, just in the last couple of weeks I have noticed small pieces of bark on the grass that has fallen from my Live Oak tree.  On closer examination, I found patches of missing bark on branches that are 2-3 inches in diameter.  The two attached pictures should speak for themselves.  This tree is located in the Austin, TX area where we have been in a drought for a couple of years but it is also surrounded by my lawn which gets regular water.  I've lived here about 8 years with no previous problems observed except that last year it seemed like leaves were falling more than usual all year.  The same is happening this year but the tree looks loaded with very green leaves. I did not see any bugs on the bare branches where the bark was missing.  Could it have oak wilt or some similar issue?
Thanks, I appreciate any suggestions.

Answer
Tom:
Oak wilt, which is a vascular disease does not typically produce the symptoms that you describe.  From your photo, looks like some some type of physical animal critter damage- perhaps squirrel. You may consider arranging for a home visit by someone from your local county Agricultural Extension service.  This visit is free and there is usually a horticulture person who can come out to visit and give you an assessment. Again, I do not think this is a bonafide infectious disease, but rather some type of physical injury.
Regards

Steve