Hello Barbara,

The shedding or peeling bark is a normal characteristic of your Scots or Scotch pine tree. Here is a detailed fact sheet on trees with peeling bark from Iowa State; https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/shedding-peeling-and-splitting-bark-shade-trees.

Several things could be happening with oozing sap. A pine tree that has damaged bark may have a discharge of sap to help cover/seal wound. The sap runs down the stem, dries, and crystallizes. Dried hard, whitish sap is old and hopefully indicates a healed wound.

If you want, you can contact the MSU Plant Diagnostic lab which can verify if an old wound is affecting your pine tree and its health. You can send digital images to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. Their email address is <personal data hidden>.

From the pictures, I am unable to diagnose whether to remove and replace your trees. This a job for a certified arborist. Here is a link to finding an arborist who would help you with your decision. You can find one at https://www.treesaregood.org/.

Thank you for your question! Therese N. Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at <personal data hidden> with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.