Why do some trees shed their bark?

Trees shed their bark as a natural process to remove dead tissue and protect against pests and diseases. Shedding also allows trees to grow and expand as their trunks increase in size. In some species, such as eucalyptus, shedding bark helps reduce the risk of harmful insects hiding in crevices. The process also exposes fresh, healthy bark that can better perform its protective functions. This adaptation is particularly common in trees living in challenging environments.