It is important to keep in mind that removing the inner layer of bark from any live tree can do irreversible harm to that tree. It is understandable why people would become concerned when they see the bark peeling from the birch trees they have so lovingly cared for. It exfoliates the tree, which allows it to photosynthesise better Birch can do this through their bark. When to Harvest . You can remove quite a lot, but only if you do it properly. Because of the remarkable preservative properties of birch bark, it can be harvested from dead or fallen trees. 2. When peeling bark on trees is limited to the south or southwest side of the tree and bare wood is exposed, the problem may be sunscald or frost damage. This type of shedding affects the health and lifespan of the tree, and wider areas of exposed wood make it more likely that the tree will die. 1. If done properly, the outer bark will begin to grow back almost black. But if they go deeper, or all the way around the tree then it will do one of two things, open the tree up to disease or insects, or in the case of all around the trunk it will "girdle" the tree and kill it. If they are just peeling off one layer at a time and it comes off in paper like flakes then the tree should be alright. When peeling bark on trees is limited to the south or southwest side of the tree and bare wood is exposed, the problem may be sunscald [sic] or frost damage. Traditional harvesting by Upper Midwestern Native American artisans is in late spring and early summer. Birch Bark and Its many Uses. In most cases, there is no cause for concern. Birch gets away with this, because they normally grow where water is plentiful and liquid. It also allows the tree to grow faster. That's normal. Removal of birch bark, when done correctly, does not kill or greatly harm a tree. The following considerations should be taken into account when harvesting birch bark. It's a good idea to learn birch bark removal from an experienced person. And it’s slow death. Bark does not have to be harvested from live trees. Peeling tree bark is sometimes due to environmental factors. Removing the inner layer prevents the flow of sap, which will eventually kill the tree if enough bark is removed. You should always look for downed birch trees from which to harvest the bark before cutting into a live tree. If you remove the inner bark, you'll kill the tree. All trees shed bark, just as humans shed their skin. Yes, that’s it, this kills a tree. A tree which gets girdled dies gradually in about a year or more. For woodcrafting purposes, find someone who makes things from birch bark and ask for a demonstration on how to remove the strips you need. Or, a technique which involves removal / peeling of a ring of bark from a tree, and the phloem layer (Like shown in the picture above). If you did it wrong, the tree will most likely die. 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