Ideas on a cause?

[ChampionTree]

3 ornamental columnar oaks. They seem to be peeling outer bark from the lower trunk up to the dominant leader. No damage or compartmentalizing of the cambium layer. No damage below root flare (that I could tell with minor digging) The bark peeling looks superficial, but I am interested in a cause or possible control. Any insight would be great help.

 

[JD3000]

Not seeing much of a proper root flair, can be common in both container and and some B&B nursery practices as well as good 'ol planted too deep. Excavate carefully and take some new closer pics.

Excess soil and OM on the rootball can cause water stress during summer as well as potentially leading to collar rot.

 

[mrtree]

It looks perfectly normal to me. You describe it is superficial so I think it may be just that, unless it is removing the cork cambium do not worry too much.

 

[KTSmith]

Do you know the species/variety of the oak? I ask that because I've been fooled by cultivars who naturally do stuff that would be alarming for wild-type trees. Mrtree may well have it, but I'm curious, are there any little unusual bumps or crusts? I'm thinking something in the Xylariaceae. If so, could just be "clean-up" crew.

 

[mrtree]

I do not think anything Xylariaceae or otherwise is the culprit. Columnar Oak is generally Quercus robur "fastigata" and I think the shedding looks normal.

 

[KTSmith]

Sounds good to me!

 

[UrbanForester]

Is that a tree tag, or girdling material in that included bark?

 

[ChampionTree]

Is that a tree tag, or girdling material in that included bark?

It was a tag at one point that home owner neglected to remove.

 

[guymayor]

I got one in raleigh NC that has big cankers...

 

[SVAC]

Regal Prince oak, normal bark peel, Swamp white/English.

 

[guymayor]

Thanks; I'm gonna try to visit the parent. Great looking street tree!

 

[oldoakman]

Crimson spire also, alba x robur.