Question: At what age do american beech trees generally develop the rigid dark-colored bark that spreads upwards from the roots? I'm …
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Question
At what age do american beech trees generally develop the rigid dark-colored bark that spreads upwards from the roots? I'm not talking about BBD damage (as seen higher up the trunk in this photo), but rather the mature bark beeches develop at an old age (on the roots and just above). I had read that this occurs at around 200 years of age, but I had read the same thing for european beech. This is in NW CT. Thanks!
Answer
Dear JoshuaH, good morning. I don't know the age when this occurs, and suspect there may also be other variables at play relating to site characteristics. That written, it must happen in extreme age because I've seen this very infrequently in New England and always on large trees. The age you've quoted may be a good estimate, but without an increment borer, it will be hard to know the true age of the tree. Thank you for posting the image.
