Spruce bark is much more than just the skin of the tree. If you look closely, you can determine the type of tree or find an indication of diseases and/or pests.

The bark of a spruce is usually slightly reddish

What does the bark of the spruce actually look like?

The bark of a spruce is red-brown, which has also given it the name red spruce or red fir. However, the term "fir" is incorrect because it is a completely different tree with soft needles and upright cones. Depending on the species, the red-brown of the spruce bark is more reddish or more brown, but always with a scaly layer of bark.

Can I use spruce bark somehow?

There are several ways to use the bark of a spruce tree. The industry uses it to produce inexpensive bark mulch or packaging for cheese. Spruce bark can also be used as a vegetable tanning agent for tanning leather. Individual pieces of bark are ideal for handicrafts or decoration. However, you should check beforehand whether there is an infestation with bark beetles or fungi.

Does bark mulch made from spruce bark have any special advantages?

The fibrous structure of the spruce bark is quite decorative, as is the darker color compared to the pine bark. The pH value of the spruce bark, which is in the neutral to slightly acidic range, is advantageous for many plants. In this way, the necessary nutrients are freely available in the soil.

Why is my spruce losing its bark?

When a spruce tree loses its bark, it usually doesn't bode well. Often the bark beetle is behind it, which can also cause the tree to die. The first signs of an infestation are small mounds of bark flour at the foot of the spruce. A pheromone trap may help, but it can also attract other bark beetles. If the infestation is severe, the spruce can only be felled.

The essentials in brief:

  • Bark color of young spruce: reddish brown
  • Bark color of older spruces: grey-brown
  • finely scaly instead of barky at lower altitudes
  • more greyish in color at high altitudes

tips

The Norway spruce can be easily identified by its bark, which is barky and reddish brown. The coloring has also given the tree the name red spruce.

Category:

Trees