Hello,

Is the surrounding area watered with an above-ground irrigation system? I suspect that direct contact with water is causing the different coloration of the lower portion of the tree trunk. Water causes the tannins (the brown/orange coloration) to leach from the bark, which make it appear bleached. This doesn’t cause any harm to the tree, and the bark will eventually become brown/orange again if the direct contact with the water is reduced.

Please let me know if you have other questions or would like to discuss further. I can be reached by email at <personal data hidden> or by phone at<personal data hidden>.

I hope this helps!

Jacob Putney