Bark protects the delicate tubes of the inner layers from invasion by weather, disease, and insects. There are holes in the bark which allow the tree to take in oxygen from the air. As a tree grows, the inner layers become too large for the outer bark to cover it. When this occurs, the outer bark cracks and splits, creating interesting patterns and lines. There is always new bark being produced in the phloem to replace the outer bark. Some trees have very thin bark which can peel off eg. birch. Some bark splits in vertical or horizontal lines. Some bark cracks into separate pieces, like scales that fall off at different times, creating irregular patches. Some bark displays a combination of these patterns.
People should not remove bark from living trees, as it creates a wound where disease, insects or fungun may invade and injure the tree. As well, bark should not be removed from fallen trees, as it provides the habitat for varoius insects and animals.
People should not remove bark from living trees, as it creates a wound where disease, insects or fungun may invade and injure the tree. As well, bark should not be removed from fallen trees, as it provides the habitat for varoius insects and animals.
Bark Characteristics Chart
A. TEXTURE
Smooth - Aspen tree
Rough - Lodgepole Pine
B. COLOUR
Reddish Brown
Grey - Lodgepole Pine
White - Aspen tree
C. PATTERN
Scaly - Lodgepole pine
Horizontal - Aspen
Vertical
Combination
Smooth - Aspen tree
Rough - Lodgepole Pine
B. COLOUR
Reddish Brown
Grey - Lodgepole Pine
White - Aspen tree
C. PATTERN
Scaly - Lodgepole pine
Horizontal - Aspen
Vertical
Combination