Why Is The Bark Peeling Off My Dogwood Tree

The bark peeling off your dogwood tree is a clear sign of stress, and it’s usually caused by a few specific culprits that you can identify and treat.
 
When you notice bark peeling off your dogwood tree, it’s not something to ignore, but it’s also not always a death sentence for your tree.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the most common reasons why bark peels off dogwood trees, what you can do about it, and how to tell if your tree is in serious danger.
 
Let’s get to the root of the problem so you can help your dogwood bounce back.
 

Why Is the Bark Peeling Off My Dogwood Tree?

The bark peeling off your dogwood tree usually points to environmental stress, pests, disease, or physical damage.
 
Here’s a closer look at the main reasons you’re seeing bark peeling off dogwood trees in your yard.
 

1. Sunscald and Temperature Fluctuations

One of the most common reasons for bark peeling off dogwood trees is sunscald, which happens when winter sun warms the bark during the day and then freezing temperatures hit at night.
 
This rapid temperature swing kills the cambium layer just beneath the bark, causing the outer bark to crack and peel away in patches.
 
You’ll often see this on the south or southwest side of the trunk where the sun hits hardest.
 
Young dogwoods with thin bark are especially vulnerable to this kind of peeling.
 
If you notice bark peeling off your dogwood tree on just one side, sunscald is a likely suspect.
 

2. Dogwood Borer Infestation

Another big reason for bark peeling off dogwood trees is the dogwood borer, a type of clearwing moth larvae that burrows into the trunk.
 
These pests enter through wounds or cracks in the bark, and as they feed on the inner tissue, they cause the bark to loosen and peel.
 
You might also see sawdust-like frass near the peeling bark or small holes in the trunk.
 
If borers are the cause of bark peeling off your dogwood tree, you’ll likely notice the damage spreading over time.
 
Trees already stressed by drought or poor soil conditions are far more likely to attract borers.
 

3. Fungal Diseases Like Dogwood Anthracnose

Fungal diseases, especially dogwood anthracnose, can also trigger bark peeling off dogwood trees.
 
This disease attacks the leaves first, but it can spread to twigs and branches, eventually causing cankers that kill the bark tissue.
 
When the bark dies, it dries out, cracks, and starts peeling away from the trunk.
 
If you see purple-rimmed spots on leaves alongside the peeling bark, anthracnose is likely at play.
 
Other fungal infections like canker diseases can also cause localized bark peeling off dogwood trees.
 

4. Physical Damage from Lawn Equipment

Sometimes the bark peeling off your dogwood tree is simply due to physical injury from lawnmowers, weed whackers, or even harsh weather.
 
A scrape or gash in the bark can interrupt the flow of nutrients and water, causing the bark above the wound to die and peel.
 
This type of peeling is usually localized and may not spread if the wound is small.
 
Keep mulch and grass away from the base of your dogwood to reduce the risk of equipment damage.
 

5. Natural Shedding in Older Trees

In some cases, bark peeling off dogwood trees is completely natural.
 
As dogwoods age, they shed old, thick outer bark in a process called exfoliation.
 
This is more common in mature trees and isn’t a sign of distress.
 
If the peeling bark looks dry and scaly but the wood underneath is healthy and green, it might just be normal growth.
 
However, if you see wet, discolored, or decaying wood under the peeling bark, then it’s not natural shedding.
 

How to Diagnose Bark Peeling Off Dogwood Trees

Before you treat the problem, you need to figure out exactly why the bark is peeling off your dogwood tree.
 
Start by inspecting the affected area closely and looking for other symptoms.
 
Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow it down.
 

Check the Leaves and Branches

If your dogwood has yellowing, browning, or spotted leaves, that points to a fungal disease.
 
Dead branches or dying twigs alongside the peeling bark suggest borers or anthracnose.
 
Healthy leaves with peeling bark usually mean the issue is physical or environmental, like sunscald.
 

Look for Signs of Pests

Peel back a small section of the loose bark carefully and look for tunnels or worm-like larvae underneath.
 
If you see any, you’re dealing with dogwood borers.
 
You can also wrap a sticky band around the trunk in spring to catch adult moths and gauge the infestation level.
 

Examine the Wound Type

If the peeling bark is on one side of the trunk, likely from sunscald.
 
If it’s all around the base or scattered, it could be borer damage or a fungal canker.
 
Also, check if the bark is peeling in vertical strips or in patches—this detail can help you identify the cause.
 

How to Fix and Prevent Bark Peeling On Dogwood Trees

Once you know why the bark is peeling off your dogwood tree, you can take steps to stop it and protect your tree from further damage.
 
Here are the best fixes for each common cause.
 

For Sunscald Protection

Wrap the trunk with a commercial tree wrap or light-colored plastic guard in late fall.
 
This reflects the sun and keeps the bark temperature more stable through winter.
 
Remove the wrap in early spring to prevent moisture trapping.
 
Also, avoid heavy pruning that exposes the trunk to more direct sun.
 

For Borer Control

If you have borers, apply an insecticide containing permethrin or carbaryl to the trunk in early summer when moths are active.
 
You can also introduce beneficial nematodes into the soil to target borer larvae.
 
Remove and destroy severely infested branches to prevent the pests from spreading.
 
Just remember, healthy trees resist borers better, so keep your dogwood watered and fertilized.
 

For Fungal Diseases

Prune out all infected branches and dispose of them far from your yard.
 
Apply a fungicide labeled for dogwood anthracnose, following the instructions carefully.
 
Improve air circulation by thinning the canopy and avoid overhead watering.
 
If a canker has girdled the trunk, the tree might not survive, but you can still try cutting away the damaged bark and letting the wound dry.
 

For Physical Damage

Smooth the edges of the wound with a sharp knife to help the bark heal faster.
 
Do not apply wound paint or tar, as that can trap moisture and encourage rot.
 
Keep the area clean and watch for pests that might enter through the wound.
 
Future damage is easy to prevent by mowing carefully around the tree and using mulch rings.
 

So, Why Is the Bark Peeling Off My Dogwood Tree?

The bark peeling off your dogwood tree is a symptom, not the disease itself.
 
It can be caused by sunscald, borers, fungal infections, physical damage, or just natural aging.
 
By looking at the pattern of peeling and other signs on your tree, you can pinpoint the exact reason and take the right action.
 
Keep your dogwood healthy with proper watering, mulching, and pruning, and you’ll give it the best chance to recover from whatever is causing the bark to peel.
 
If the damage is extensive or you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, call a certified arborist to help you save your tree.
 
Your dogwood can still thrive with a little TLC and the right care plan.