Are you a fan of hiking? Besides being a great way to stay fit, hiking is an amazing opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty. By paying attention, you can always gain knowledge from Mother Nature.
Many kids enjoy hiking in local forests. Do you know what’s so fascinating about forests? It’s the trees! They provide us with oxygen, shade to walk under, and homes for various birds and animals.
While hiking through the forest, you might notice some peculiar growths on certain trees. These growths can be found near the roots, in the middle of the tree, or even in a circular pattern around the tree. They appear as spherical bulges covered in bark.
These unusual growths are called burls. In some places, they may be referred to as burrs. They develop as irregular, wart-like outgrowths. Although burls start small, they can grow to be quite large. For instance, burls on redwood trees can grow big enough to sprout new trees!
Scientists believe that burls have existed as long as trees themselves. However, despite this long history, scientists still don’t fully understand what causes burls to form. They do have a few theories, though.
Many scientists speculate that burls begin to form due to some sort of tree trauma. For example, some burls may be caused by insect infestation or a specific fungus attack. This theory is supported by the fact that burls are often found in groups of trees that may have experienced similar infestations.
Other scientists believe that certain trees may have a genetic predisposition to form burls as a result of specific environmental factors, like pollution or the presence of certain minerals in the soil. This theory intersects with the previous one, as scientists believe that an environmental trauma can trigger the genetic predisposition to form a burl.
Despite these theories, the scientific community has not reached a consensus. Adding to the complexity, scientists have been largely unsuccessful in inducing burl formation experimentally.
Why would scientists want to induce burl formation? Although these unusual growths may appear unhealthy, they generally do not harm the overall health of the tree. Furthermore, burls are highly valuable.
In a regular tree, the wood grain runs in a single direction. However, the wood inside a burl grows in chaotic patterns. When a burl is harvested from a dead tree and cut open, it often reveals a stunning and unique wood grain with various colors, swirls, and fascinating patterns.
Artisans admire burl wood and use it to create a wide range of products, including furniture, clocks, bowls, and even interior trim for cars. Burls from specific trees like cherry, ash, redwood, walnut, and maple can fetch high prices. However, burls from oak trees are not as valued since they often contain holes or rot.
Unfortunately, burl wood is highly sought after, leading to poachers illegally stripping burls from living trees and selling the wood to unsuspecting buyers.
Try It Out
Would you like to learn more about burls? Make sure to check out the following activities with a friend or family member:
Looking for some physical activity? Request a grown-up companion or a family member to accompany you on a hike in a nearby park or forest. While walking along the trails, pay attention to the trees you come across. Can you spot any burls on them? Keep in mind that burls might not be abundant in your area. If you don’t see any on trees near the path, venture off the main trail for a while to explore some of the trees deeper into the woods. Capture photographs of any burls you find. If possible, consult a forest ranger about burls and whether they ever harvest burl wood from their deceased trees.
Have you ever come across any items made from burl wood? Maybe you have, but were unaware of it! Visit Enchanted Burl’s website to browse through a gallery of various products crafted from burl wood. Can you appreciate the beautiful and chaotic patterns that burl wood exhibits?
Burls can hold significant value. In fact, they can be so valuable that they may become a target for illegal hunters. Go online and watch the news report titled “California’s Redwood Trees Under Attack by ‘Burl Poachers’” to learn more about this issue. What additional measures do you think forest managers could implement to prevent poachers from causing harm to trees?
Sources of Wonder
- http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-burl-wood.htm
- http://forestry.about.com/od/foresthealth/p/disease_burl.htm
- http://blakelyburltree.com/burl.htm
- http://www.enchantedburl.com/About_Burl.html
FAQ
1. What is a burl?
A burl is a growth that forms on the trunk or branches of a tree. It is an abnormal growth caused by various factors such as fungal or bacterial infections, insect infestations, or tree stress. Burls can be found on a wide range of tree species, including oak, maple, and pine. They are characterized by their unique and irregular shapes, often resembling a knot or a bulge on the tree.
2. How are burls formed?
Burls are formed when the tree’s natural defense mechanisms respond to an injury or stress by producing an excessive amount of cells in a localized area. This rapid cell growth results in the formation of a burl. The exact cause of each burl can vary, but common factors include insect damage, physical injuries, or infections. The tree’s attempt to heal itself leads to the development of the burl.
3. What are the uses of burl wood?
Burl wood is highly valued for its unique and beautiful grain patterns. It is often used in woodworking to create decorative items such as furniture, bowls, and sculptures. The irregular and swirling grain of burl wood adds visual interest and character to these pieces. Additionally, burl wood is prized in the production of veneers, where thin slices of the wood are applied to other surfaces to enhance their appearance.
4. Can burls be harmful to trees?
While burls themselves are not harmful to trees, the underlying causes of their formation can have negative effects. Infections or infestations that lead to burl growth can weaken the affected tree, making it more susceptible to further damage or disease. Additionally, the growth of a burl can disrupt the natural flow of sap and nutrients within the tree, potentially affecting its overall health. It is important to monitor burls and address any underlying issues to ensure the well-being of the tree.
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