Carrotwood Tree Bark Peeling: Canker or Root Rot Investigation Needed

Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) losing bark in several locations. Owner asks if disease and how to treat.

Expert Analysis

Bark loss signals serious trouble. Causes range from localized stem cankers to systemic root/crown rot, or environmental stress (temperature extremes). If scattered branches are thinning, prune dead wood—this helps with localized cankers. If root decay or internal rot is present, decline will continue.

Action

• Consult a certified arborist for on-site evaluation.
• Check with local nursery for area-specific issues.
• Prune only clearly dead branches; avoid stressing the tree further.