Variation in bark characters and wood specific gravity of sugar maple

Abstract

The external appearance of the bark of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) has been described as "deeply furrowed," "fissured with long irregular thick plates or ridges," "somewhat scaly," "sometimes curling," and "highly variable." Adjacent trees in natural stands often have strikingly different external bark characteristics. Gross variability in bark appearance is unusual within a species. In general, bark appearance is relatively constant, and any variability encountered is often a reflection of vigor. Indeed, some researchers consider external bark characteristics to be helpful in log and tree grading and quite reliable as an indicator of tree vigor (Burkle and Guttenberg 1952, Arbogast 1957). Kennedy and Wilson (1954) in studies of smooth and cork-bark alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) show that a strong relationship exists between age and bark type for four diameter classes. The cork-bark type is consistently older. The objective of this study was to investigate what relationships may exist between bark type, age, diameter, growth rate, and wood specific gravity in sugar maple.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Eighth Lake States Forest Tree Improvement conference, Sept. 12-13, 1967.

Citation

Sajdak, Robert L. 1968. Variation in bark characters and wood specific gravity of sugar maple. In: Proceedings of the Eighth Lake States Forest Tree Improvement Conference; Res. Pap. NC-23. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 10-14