Q.bark on tree
The tree seems to be losing its bark from the top down. It’s at a house I’m trying to buy for my family. The wood is white where the bark is gone and when you rub the leaves, there is like a dust coating. I looked at it and felt like it was sick but the realtor said it just needed care. If this is a place I want to raise my family, I need to care about this tree too. I don’t want it to die…Thank you.
Without know the type of tree, a clearer description or image it would be difficult to determine what may be wrong with the tree.
You could request that the homeowner have the tree checked by an Arborist to determine it's health, prior to purchase.
Here are some links that may help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/peeling-bark-on-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm