The green of the tree is not its only ornament. The tree trunk also immediately catches the viewer's eye. With Douglas fir, it becomes impressively tall and strong over the years. The bark undergoes an optical transformation.
What does the bark of a Douglas fir look like?
The bark of a young Douglas fir is dark gray, smooth and has many resin dents, while the bark of an older Douglas fir is reddish brown, thicker and riddled with deep cracks. Compared to similar spruce, Douglas fir has longer and deeper grooves in the bark.
No tree species without bark
Mostly the focus is on the leaves, flowers or fruits. The bark, on the other hand, does not always receive attention, although it is just as interesting and provides a color contrast.
Each tree species has its own characteristics, which are reflected in the color and texture of the bark. Every tree of the same species has these characteristics, although the “living conditions” cause slight, individual differences.
The bark of the Douglas fir changes over the years and becomes more and more interesting. Not only does it change 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
- she has lots of resin bumps
- the color is dark gray
The escaping resin exudes 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 reminds of the previously young bark:
- the color has become darker
- is now reddish brown
- the bark gets thicker over time
- bark forms
- this is riddled with 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 perceived as such. This is why it is difficult for laypeople to tell these two tree species apart. Here the bark can provide support in identifying the tree in question.
- both barks have a similar coloring
- 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
- Their bark has split into small, round plates
- some of them can be easily removed by hand
