Sycamores

[cory]

Yo, interesting- all large sycamores in my hood have more or less suddenly shed boat loads of their (exfoliating) bark. No tree seems exempt and all trees seem to be perfectly healthy based on canopy appearance. At first I thought it was lightning strike damage because that's how it looks when a tree gets hit and all or most of the bark is blown off the tree and is laying all over the ground under the tree, but no, this is not lighting damage. The only common thread I can think of is the 2 recent serious high heat waves but not sure how that would contribute.

Am I late to the party or have youse guys seen this before?

 

[Dave Shepard]

I haven't noticed that. I love a big sycamore. We have many that are many feet in diameter.

 

[Cobleskill]

Not many around here. Cool trees.

 

[cory]

Dr goog says it is normal and happens in july and august as a result of tree growth and the inelastic older bark breaking off as new bark growth occurs. So I guess that is the answer but I'm surprised I never noticed it on a widespread basis with relatively sudden onset.