Bark damage due to changes in levels.

[benedmonds]

Beech tree looks to have had soil levels changed and the bark/cambium is now flaking off.

I am guessing the tree was growing on a slope and the ground has been leveled as the other side is ok with normal looking root flare and no damage.

First pic from 2019 second 2021.

Would you pull back the soil? Or is the damage done now and just let the tree get on with it?  The rest of the tree is in good health.  

 

[Dan Maynard]

I wonder if a digger was used to move the soil? If so there might be root damage causing the dieback rather than just the raise in level - maybe worth investigating that at least?