The birch & birch wood

The birch - a versatile all-rounder in the forest & at home

There is probably no one in Europe who does not know the birch (lat.: Betula). This deciduous tree is known for its distinctive white bark. Birches grow quickly and can reach a height of 30 meters or more. Birch wood has a wide range of uses , which I will discuss later in my blog.

Location & ecological significance

Birch is found mainly in the northern hemisphere, such as Europe, North America, Russia, Asia and Japan. It is considered a pioneer plant on barren land and has few demands on soil and climate. Birches can reach an age of up to 160 years.

The birch plays a very important role ecologically. Many animal species (e.g. redpoll, black grouse, over 100 species of butterflies, etc.) depend on it. The birch provides food and habitat for numerous animal species. Its leaves serve as food for many insects and its seeds are an important source of food for birds in winter.

Unfortunately, allergy sufferers often struggle with birch pollen in spring, which is a highly potent allergen.

There are about 50 - 100 species of birch worldwide. The most well-known species include:

Common birch / silver birch
Himalayan Birch
Blood birch
Silver birch
Weeping birch
Copper birch
Silver birch

Birch with typical growth form — Approx. 30 year old birch with typical growth form

Birch growth form — Young birch at the Pinggau war memorial

Benefits of birch trees & use of birch wood

The birch offers different uses:

Birch tar is extracted from the bark as a plastic substitute
Storage container made of birch bark (antiseptic effect)
Extraction of birch sap and birch sugar (e.g. for medicinal purposes)
Decorative purposes

Birch wood is known for its light color and its even, warm and unspectacular grain. However, birch wood is characterized by isolated brown spots or spots in the wood. Birch trees can also produce valuable burl wood , which is very popular in furniture making.

Birch wood is elastic and is a medium-hard hardwood. It is relatively light, but break-resistant and difficult to split.

Birch wood is used among other things:

firewood
Furniture, interior design & instrument making
parquet
Veneers & Plywood
toy
Arts and crafts & wood turning

My conclusion on birch & birch wood

The birch tree has its own charm due to its distinctive bark and its reputation as a "pioneer".

Although birch wood does not usually offer the same visual highlights as other types of wood, it can still be used to turn beautiful wooden products or decorative objects. Sometimes even with attractive, lively grain.

Over time, birch wood takes on an almost golden and warm color, which means that birch wood retains its own charm even after a long time.

I really enjoy working with birch wood and use it to make wooden products such as:

If you are interested in birch wood products, then check out all the Products made of birch wood to.