Identifying Trees by Their Bark
Tree identification can be done in many ways such as by looking at the leaves, the fruit, the seeds, and the bark. The bark is one of the most unique features of each species of tree. Each species has their very own type of bark, and although they may look similar to other species, when you look very closely at the smallest details you see that each species of tree is as different as each person is. When you attempt tree identification by looking at the bark of a tree, you start seeing trees and their bark in a whole new light.
There are some basic bark types, and once you find the most common types in your area you start to be able to tell the difference between the types of bark, which will also help lead you to tree identification through their bark. The basic types of tree bark are smooth, furrowed such as a black walnut, scaly like what you see on a longleaf pine, plated which sort of looks like scaly bark but it’s larger, warty, shaggy which are long and loose on both ends, fibrous which are sort of like furrowed, and papery. In your area you probably notice that a good deal of the trees are just sort of plain looking. But, as you look closer you see that they really are all different from each other. If you have two different types of trees in your backyard you should compare and contrast them to see if you can find the difference. Being able to point out the differences in the tree bark will help with tree identification.
If you want to be a tree identification expert, one of the best things you can do is buy a field guide. You have to decide what type of bark the tree has, but then the field guide can help you decide based on that what sort of tree you are dealing with. A field guide is especially good for tree identification beginners, but as you continue to identify trees by their bark you will get better and being able to analyze and then just know it on your own.
You will be surprised how easily you start to pick up on the different type of barks and then how quickly you are able to name the type of tree you are looking at. Knowing what trees will typically grow in the area you are looking will make it even easier to take one look at the bark and know what type of tree you’re looking at.
If you understand why a tree has bark you might be able to learn the barks even more easily. A bark is on the tree to protect the cambium layer, which is delicate from cuts, it also retards against the loss of water, temperature extremes, sunlight, and it helps the tree breathe. If you know these things you will understand why some trees have the type of bark that they do. Bark essentially protects from the elements, so this means if you go to a location that has a completely different climate than youć± e from, you will notice that the tree bark is different from where you live.
Tree identification by bark alone can be quite challenging, but as you begin to look closely at the bark and notice its texture, thickness, and overall shape you will be able to identify most of the trees in your area. Tree identification by bark type can be done as a hobby or even for a science project because it’s fun and educational for people of all ages. Once you look at the bark of the tree up close and personal, you’ll never look at bark the same way again!