Q.drought or frost?
Have you any advice about a bay tree that’s shedding its bark? It’s a tall ball-shaped tree that I’ve had for about ten yrs. The bark is peeling off and some of the leaves are black. Could it be the result of last winter, the recent drought or a late frost? I live near Cambridge and there was no rain for three months until last week. I have started giving it lots of water. Any ideas? Thanks.
There are many reasons this could be happening, everything from what you mentioned to pest to fungus as well. Tree diseases can be very hard to diagnose without being able to examine the tree. I would recommend that you contact a local arborist to look at the tree and help diagnose what is affecting it.