Any ideas?

[Vedhoggar]

Sycamore, it looks like the plates have peeled off or have been remove for some reason. It also looks like the timber has that fiddle back pattern.

Edited September 28, 2021 by Vedhoggar

[Rough Hewn]

Thsi scalloped bark is not uncommon on Sycamore or Horse Chestnut. I've been trying for years to correlate its occurence with the growing conditions of individual trees, given me another decade and I feel I will have the answer.

I suspect it’s an age thing.
But not certain at all.
[emoji106]

[daltontrees]

1 hour ago, Rough Hewn said:

I suspect it’s an age thing.
But not certain at all.

I think I know how it happens, but not why it only happens to some sycamores.

[Vedhoggar]

1 hour ago, Rough Hewn said:

I suspect it’s an age thing.
But not certain at all.

As the stem increases in size you get plates of bark develop which fall off as new bark underneath grows, it’s common in older sycamore trees. 

[Rough Hewn]

I think I know how it happens, but not why it only happens to some sycamores.

I’m guessing it’s genetic/hereditary then?
Or do you think it might be related to water uptake?
[emoji106]

[Vedhoggar]

5 hours ago, Rough Hewn said:

I’m guessing it’s genetic/hereditary then?
Or do you think it might be related to water uptake?

I’ve old sycamore in various parts of the county with those plates, so probably age. The fiddle back pattern you see in some sycamore could be generic or site related I suspect.