Pine Tree Losing Bark

Question: Our Limber tree  is sick.  Several of the branches are losing their bark.   The Limber is pretty mature (10-11 yrs old).  We also have a baby Ponderosa that we planted about 2 years ago.  It is having the same problem.  We also have a large much older Ponderosa (15+ years), and it is unaffected.   All three trees are well separated from each other - about 150 feet.   I have lots of pictures.   This site only allows me to post three files, so I merged several pictures together into one larger picture.  

Thanks for the help, Mike

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 13, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Mike,  It looks like you might have animal browsing pressure - and this looks like it could be squirrel damage or another mammal. You might have to resort to the techniques that they use up in Estes or other areas by using fencing/caging around the plants.  You can try to clean up the torn areas by cutting away the loose shards (do not cut into the branch or new tissues). Some of the branches may not survive because of the extensive damage.  Going forward, focus efforts on regular watering, including in fall and winter. This will help the trees seal off the wounds and recover better - and support overall growth. Keep grass/weeds clear at the base of the trees and add mulch, if possible. Keep the mulch away from the trunk.   Also, can the ponderosa support itself without the stake? The green tape is flexible but can cut into the trunk and cause a constriction, which affects the flow of water and nutrients. If possible, remove the green tape and the stake.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Greetings,  Thanks for your time and response.   However, I don't think the diagnosis is correct.  Please note to cracks in the bark, where sap is coming out.   Something is causing the bark to literally peel off, leaving bare wood beneith.  The bark is still present, not consumed,  its just hanging in strips. Nor are there any bit marks on either the bark or the wood.  Also we don't have any squirrels or other tree living mammals or deer.  These trees are out in what used to be horse pasture.  The only animals we have are birds, bugs, rabbits (lots of rabbits) and ground squirrels.   Please review the photo's again and consider what else it could be.  Perhaps some kind of bug under the bark ??  Thanks for all your time and assistance.  We are very concerned for our poor tree,   Mike East  On 9/13/2024 12:57 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 13, 2024, 5:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Mike,  Unfortunately, in my tenure, I haven't seen insects cause the bark to tear or shred. And to me, it does look like there are some bite marks - in the collage of the limber pine, the bottom right photo looks like teeth marks?  Also, some of the smaller branches have been broken and the tufts of pine. This also indicates more mammal grazing.   Insects would generally cause holes, tunneling, and typically leave more visible signs from their damage. The oozing sap is a natural response of damage to the tree - any bark wound can ooze sap.  I would encourage you to contact a certified arborist who may have more options and suggestions for you - especially if they can provide an on-site visit. You can find an arborist at http://www.treesaregood.com  If you receive additional diagnoses or thoughts, please follow up and let me know.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2024, 5:16 PM EDT
response: Greetings,  Thanks for your timely response, and digging into this some more.   Will go examine the tree in person, with that perspective in mind, and see if there are more marks that would collaborate.   Thanks for all the help.   Mike   On 9/13/2024 3:04 PM, Ask Extension wrote: