Tree bark has been proven to be a valuable source of information on air pollution. Bark has a large absorbent surface thanks to its deeply furrowed structure. Through the ability to accumulate atmospheric particulate matter (PM), tree bark enables the identification and mapping of organic and inorganic air pollutants. The first study of air quality using tree bark dates back to the second half of the 20^th century and such studies are constantly being developed today. Reports published almost every year present the potential of using tree bark of different tree species for monitoring atmospheric pollution. This article presents scientific evidence proving the possibility of using bark in the process of assessing air quality and also describes the main directions of research in this field.