Interesting facts about appearance and change

No tree species without bark

Most of the time, the focus is on the leaves, flowers or fruits. The bark, on the other hand, does not always attract attention, although it is just as interesting and provides a color contrast.

Each type of tree has its own characteristics, which can be seen in the color and texture of the bark. Every tree of the same species has these characteristics, whereby the "living conditions" cause slight, individual deviations.

The bark of the Douglas fir changes over the years and becomes more and more interesting. Not only does it change its color, its structure also undergoes a serious change.

The bark of young trees

The bark of a young Douglas fir has the following characteristics that clearly distinguish it from an older specimen:

• the surface is mostly very smooth
• it has many resin bumps
• the color is dark gray

The emerging resin gives off a pleasant, citrus-like scent.

The bark of an old Douglas fir

An aging Douglas fir has changed its outer skin so much that nothing is reminiscent of the previously young bark:

• the color has become darker
• is now reddish brown
• the bark becomes thicker over time
• a bark forms
• this is criss-crossed by many deep cracks

Douglas fir or spruce? The bark gives it away!

Douglas firs and spruces look very similar at first glance. If the differences are not known, they are usually not noticed as such. This is why it is difficult for laypeople to tell these two tree species apart. This is where the bark can help to identify the tree in question.

• both barks are similar in color
• the difference can be seen in the pattern / recess
• Douglas fir has many long and deep grooves
• their bark is quite tight
• the bark of the spruce, on the other hand, has no grooves
• its bark is more likely to have split open into small, round plates
• some of them can be easily removed by hand