Hardwoods and Softwoods: characteristics
On a world-wide basis, pines are the most common type of conifer; there are nearly 100 different species. North America alone has over 30! In general, pines are easy to distinguish from other needle-leaved trees because of their long, narrow needles bound in bundles; hard, woody cones with tough scales; and distinctive "whorls" of branches that make their trunks easy to climb.
Pine forests are also distinctive. In general, pine trees like a lot of light, so pine forests are open and sunlight spills through to the forest floor. Wind moving through their long needles also gives pine forests a distinctive sound, and no one can miss their unique fragrance.
Materials Wood Strength of Wood
|
|
