Question
Maple tree bark peelin
I have some pictures attached. I am concerned about the bark peeling from my Maple tree. Should I be concerned as the tree is vary close to wires and house. thanks
AnswerLooks like decay fungi more than likely from a wound maybe from an insect called a borer. There is not anything that can be done for the decay fungi. This fungi infects the woody cells and over many years can make the tree hollow. It will not kill the tree since it does not infest any living cells. The loose bark can be removed this will help the tree heal over the wound better. The borers can damage and may kill the tree however. I would spray the wound area on the trunk with an insecticide called Merit. This will kill the insect in the bark and wood. Borers usually attack weakened trees so i would fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the ate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Do this now and again in the Fall. This will increase the overall health of the tree.
