Apple tree losing bark dying limbs

Question: What is causing my apple tree to lose its bark? Also has multiple dying limbs

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 18, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, The photos you sent over look like old wounds that have healed over. Are you seeing the bark peel off or have you just noticed these areas where it looks like it was once peeled off? It's possible that these peeled areas are from previous squirrel damage.  Are you noticing any other symptoms of the tree, such as any affecting the leaves or fruit? Can you send some photos of any other symptoms you observe, as well as a photo of the entire tree and a photo of where the trunk meets the soil? Thank you! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the response. We do have squirrels but I have not observed them eating the bark. The leaves are fine this but they took a serious hit from Japanese beetle last year the west side of the tree looks normal. The east side had significant dead branches which we tried to remove. This tree produces fruit every other year , this is its off year so very little fruit which is normal for this tree. I tried to get better pictures for your review. Thanks much Kathy

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: We do have squirrels but have not observed any of them eating the bark. This tree produces fruit every other year so this year very few apples which is normal. The west side of the tree looks normal. The east side had many dead branches which we remove I tried to show you a picture looking north so you can see how few branches on east side. The leaves right now look normal but was devastated last year by Japanese beetles despite best efforts with neem oil, beetle gone etc to rid them. I hope these pictures help thank you

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, When did you start noticing the dieback of the branches? Do the branches that are dying back have the peeled bark wounds or do you notice any darkened, possibly sunken areas along those branches? Thanks, Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Hania, I started noticing dead branches in the spring of 2022.  This spring the tree had an increased number and we removed them. I sent you a picture of two pieces we cut. Both were dead but they look quite different from each other. please let me know if you need anything else Again thanks for your help Kathy

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, At least on the left branch, it seems like there may be some cankers on the branch, which can indicate the presence of a fungal disease called Cytospora. Cytospora often enters through existing wounds, which your tree has much of due to, what I suspect is, squirrels. The only management of Cytospora is to remove affected limbs (making sure to sterilize between cuts) and to promote vigor through cultural practices, like proper watering.  If you'd like to confirm Cytospora, you can bring a sample of your tree (for instance, the left branch in the photo) to the state plant clinic. Here is more information regarding their fees and location: https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/plantclinic/.Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: It’s interesting that the west side of the tree looks very normal and most of the die off is on the east side. Thanks for the info. Will follow up. Just an FYI, we planted a beautiful autumn blaze maple last year to replace a 35 yr old linden that was devastated by Japanese beetles over a three year period. Despite our best efforts the linden died. However the squirrels decided to chew on the maple this year and did a lot of damage to our young tree !   Used repels all , the garlic/ clove mixture and that kept them away!  Just need to apply a little earlier in spring!!Again, thanks for your helpKathySent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2023, at 12:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 4:17 PM EDT
response: Damage specific to one side of the tree could indicate root damage - has there been any construction or mechanical work that could have injured part of the root sytem? Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT
response: HiNot that I’m aware of. The tree sits on the east side of our property, about 5 ft from the property line. Our neighbors have the adjacent  area landscaped with shrubs etc and it’s been that way for many years. They do have a lawn service for their grass, but whatever they apply is usually at least 10-15 ft from our property line   I thought about if they sprayed something that effected it but I think it’s unlikely KathySent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2023, at 2:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿