If a deciduous tree is to be planted, or wood is required for some purpose, the choice between birch and beech must be carefully considered. Because both types of trees differ in many ways. We want to make your decision-making easier with decisive facts.
Which is better, birch or beech?
The large beech is only suitable for large gardens, while the smaller birch also fits in a small garden. For parquet, stair construction andfurniture constructionthe hardwoodbeechis better suited,birch woodforCarvingsBoth types of wood are popular asFirewood
What properties do the two woods have?
Beech (Fagus), here the beech species common beech
- colored white-grey to pale yellow, sometimes also reddish
- fine-pored, with irregular wood rays
- clearly pronounced annual rings
- good load-bearing, not very elastic
- not weatherproof
- tears easily when dry
- susceptible to insect and fungal infestation
Birch (Betula)
- white to pale reddish colored
- darkens significantly over time
- Hardly visible pores, clearly visible medullary rays
- special look due to the irregular grain pattern
- not very stable
- tough-elastic, very flexible
- easy to edit
- does not tolerate moisture
Which tree is better for the environment, birch or beech?
It is generally accepted that the beech tree and its properties are considered ecologically valuable. But that’s what the birch is too. Many bird species depend on them and even have “birch” in their name, such as black grouse and black siskin. It is also a habitat for mosses, fungi and lichens. Caterpillars of 118 butterfly species use the slopes and downy birch for food. Who can decide which of the two tree species is more ecologically valuable?Both have their value and their place!
Which wood is better for outdoor use?
Both birch and beech wood are not particularly weather-resistant. It is therefore not advisable to use it outdoors. For example, the wood fromlarches and Douglas firs. is suitable for this.
Tip
Water beech and birch trees in particularly dry times
As shallow-rooted trees, birches are particularly sensitive to the dry summers that climate change is increasingly bringing us. For a long time the beech was not considered endangered, but this is increasingly proving to be a mistake. If you have specimens of these tree species in your garden, water them specifically during dry periods to keep them he althy.
