Apple Tree Disease? - Ask Extension
I have two very young Zestar apple trees demonstrating the same symptoms. The bark is peeling badly on the trunk and several branches. The trees see...
Knowledgebase
Apple Tree Disease? #931042
Asked May 08, 2026, 11:05 AM EDT
I have two very young Zestar apple trees demonstrating the same symptoms. The bark is peeling badly on the trunk and several branches. The trees seem to still show good growth and buds beyond the peeling bark. Please see pictures. thanks!
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
I have never seen bark peeling like your photos. I small section could have been sunscald but not the entire trunk and branches. If it isn't already infected with fire blight or another disease, it soon is a prime candidate. I suggest you have a certified arborist make a house call or wait and see what evolves. It certainly is not a normal situation. If you want to contact a certified arborist, please visit this site and click on Find An Arborist. Enter your zip code when prompted and it will bring up a list of certified arborists in your area: https://www.treesaregood.org/
