Does tree bark continue underneath the ground? Are the roots covered in bark too? All the way down?
I have seen a lot of trees that have been blown over in storms and can’t recall any that had bark below the ground.
Exposed tree roots will grow bark on them, though.
Thanks.
I was wondering because we have trees that shed lots of bark, regularly and some of them have exposed roots that appear bark covered (eroded hillside), but the bark on the roots doesn’t seem to shed like the trunk bark does. So I was wondering if there was unseen sheeding going on beneath the surface.
From the sounds of it, the bark provides a layer of protection that isn’t needed on the bits of the tree that are underground, hence no bark on those bits
Thanks for the info Duke of York & Chronos
Tree roots have just as much bark as the above ground portions of the stem.
The bark may have different characteristics, often being smoother, but it’s still there and every bit as necessary.