WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Yellow birch is an interesting tree. For me, it’s the ability to metamorphosize bark over time. When it’s young, the bark appears a shiny, papery gold. An old tree’s bark resembles that of a black cherry, kind of like burnt potato chips, but completely different. From this photo, you can see what I mean. Normally you have to look at the very ends or top of the tree’s crown to see the younger gold bark. On this one you can see the old bark to the left and younger growth from possible damage in the past. In any case, this tree fooled a lot of young Forestry students back in dendrology class.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association