Causes for LilacBarkComingOff. In most cases, the damage from lilacbark shedding isn't serious. Young trees are more susceptible than older ones, but you may see the problem in trees of any age. Causes for LilacBarkComingOff Rapid freeze and thaw cycles sometimes cause splitting and peeling bark on lilacs. The bark of the lilac tree is gray to grayish-brown and becomes cracked and flaky with age. The late lilac shrub (Syringa vulgaris) is smaller, measuring 6 to 10 feet high and wide, with medium green leaves that grow to 7 inches long. Shrub lilacs and bush lilacs are short and compact. The classic definition of a tree is that it is over 4m (13') tall and has a single trunk. Tree lilacs can grow up to 7 m (25') high and have a tree-like appearance, but their many stems tend to get them classified as bushes. Squirrels sometimes strip the bark from the lower portions of lilac trees. Researchers have several theories for why squirrels do this. The creatures might by trying to access the inner bark of the shrubs, which contain nutrients their diets lack. Lilacbark on Syringa vulgaris is gray to grayish-brown.Native to China, the early lilac (Syringa oblata, zones 3-6) tops off and out at 12 feet, and its leaves are kidney-shaped, simple, opposite and round to ovate in shape. Lilacbark can be poisonous; use only the flowers. As with any herb or supplement, consult an informed herbalist or trusted healthcare practitioner before use. Peeling Bark On Lilacs: Reasons For LilacBarkComingOff Tree. Lilacs make beautiful additions to home landscapes. But what do you do when a lilac is shedding its bark, and what causes this to occur? Find out more in this article. Click here for additional info. Japanese tree lilac > Trunk/branches > Bark chewed or removed.Long lines of shredded or peeled offbark along main trunk up to 3 feet off the ground from antler rubbing; wood may appear shiny or "polished". Leaves and small branches. Tessellated – bark is broken up into many distinct flakes. Box – has short fibers. Some also show tessellation. Ribbon – this has the barkcomingoff in long thin pieces but still loosely attached in places.