Peeling, Exfoliating, Ornamental Bark for Winter Landscape Interest

Paperbark Maple Bark

Tree leaves are down and most deciduous branches are bare. And though Crabapple LandscapExperts can enhance the winter landscape of the properties you manage with winter-flowering Camellia, Witch Hazel, Oregon Grape Mahonia, Japanese Paperbush, and Hellebore as well as cool-season winter color plants, there is another ornamental feature that takes center stage in the landscape now.

Peeling bark, known as exfoliating bark (as in skin care) is the natural process of old bark peeling away from a tree trunk in large curls or patches, revealing the new bark that is often of a different color beneath. Certain trees are known for this shedding of bark and used ornamentally in the landscape.  

Cork Oak Bark by P Tobin

Exfoliating bark adds visual interest and captures attention during the winter season. Some of the trees selected for this attractive feature include: 

• Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum), 
• 3-Flowered Maple (Acer triflorum) 
• River Birch (Betula nigra) 
• Lacebark Pine (Pinus bungeana)  
• Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) 
• American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) large tree
• Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. Petiolaris) woody vine 

Crapemyrtle Bark by UAR

Besides beauty, exfoliating bark eliminates fungus diseases, boring insects and pollution from an ornamental tree by simply dropping off, all ecological advantages for the tree. Crabapple LandscapExperts often chooses these trees for the urban landscape, since they can refresh and renew their bark despite ozone and urban particulate matter. Call your Crabapple Rep now to discuss adding woody plants with attractive bark to your landscape during the winter planting season at 770-740-9739. 



 

Eucalyptus deglupta

Digging Deeper
Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta)  is a tropical tree with incredible exfoliating bark! -->