barktjocklek

Barktjocklek, or bark thickness, is the distance from the outer surface of a tree’s bark to the inner boundary where living tissues such as the cambium begin. It is a key structural characteristic used in forestry, dendrology and wood science to describe how much tissue protects the trunk.

Measurement can be direct or indirect. In the field, bark thickness at a given height is often measured with a bark gauge or calipers. In research, non-destructive methods such as ultrasound or imaging may be used, while destructive methods use cross-sections of the stem or coring to determine thickness from outer bark to cambium. Measurements are commonly taken at standardized heights, for example at breast height (about 1.3 meters).

Bark thickness varies widely among species and individuals. It tends to increase with trunk diameter and age in many species, but there is substantial variation. Some species have thin bark, while others have thicker or corky bark. Cork oak is notable for producing exceptionally thick bark that can be harvested as cork.

Factors such as climate, soil moisture, fire exposure, and growth rate influence bark thickening. Adaptations include thicker bark in fire-prone environments that helps protect the cambium, and thinner bark in shade-grown or fast-growing trees where energy is allocated differently.

Implications: Bark thickness affects vulnerability to fire and pests, insulation, and surface area for nutrient transport in the inner bark. It also factors into growth models, biomass estimation, and wood-processing characteristics, as bark adds to harvesting considerations and impacts moisture dynamics.