Question
I have noticed that on one of my cyprus trees right next to lake Austin in Texas, that the bark has started peeling off in curly-type-things. It looks like a squirrel got to it, except for the fact that it's curly. It is in a shady spot in spring-fall, but now all of the leaves have fallen off. Are the curlies caused by an animal, bug, sun, or a disease and should I be worried about it? Also, if it is something bad for the tree, what is the cure? THANK YOU!

Answer
Depending on the age of the tree this could be just normal bark patterns. As cypress ages the bark will peel and look as if there may be a problem. Not knowing the age of the tree I lean toward this being normal. To make sure I would suggest you contact the Texas Forest Servic (state agency) and ask one of their Foresters to take a look. They are quite busy with Wildfire right now but they may have someone who could help. I would try the Pest management folks first--
Forest Pest Management
P.O. Box 310
Lufkin, TX  75902-0310
Phone: 936?39?170
You can email them at --Don Grosman, [email protected]
Don should be able to help or suggest someone else.