Tree bark peeling off apple trees - Ask Extension
The bark started peeling away last fall. These trees are about 10 years old.
The white stuff is hydrated lime that I painted on these trees after I...
Knowledgebase
Tree bark peeling off apple trees #931594
Asked May 13, 2026, 4:07 PM EDT
The bark started peeling away last fall. These trees are about 10 years old.
The white stuff is hydrated lime that I painted on these trees after I noticed this issue. And the lower branch got cut off after that issue appeared.
Rice County Minnesota
Expert Response
There are diseases that might cause this. It could also be rabbit or deer damage. Or it could be mechanical damage from a riding mower. It is very difficult to tell from photos. Check this link:
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/diagnosing-and-managing-apple-trunk.html
You will notice that the recommendation is to contact us, with the expectation that we will send you to the plant disease clinic. Which I will now do:
https://pdc.umn.edu/submit-sample
Also, read here:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/shedding-peeling-and-splitting-bark-shade-trees
You could also look for a certified arborist who specializes in fruit trees:
https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/diagnosing-and-managing-apple-trunk.html
You will notice that the recommendation is to contact us, with the expectation that we will send you to the plant disease clinic. Which I will now do:
https://pdc.umn.edu/submit-sample
Also, read here:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/shedding-peeling-and-splitting-bark-shade-trees
You could also look for a certified arborist who specializes in fruit trees:
https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist
