STEPHAN WOODWORKING

Burls are rounded growths, often seen on near the base of the tree trunk. The cause is subject to debate, but not what is taking place within the bark.

Occasionally one will see a mature tree whose top was broken off during a severe storm. Within a month or two, new branches will start to protrude from the mature bark of the tree stem. Wood scientists explain that there are numerous dormant branch buds under the bark of the tree stem that normally remain dormant for the life of the tree.

When a burl forms, something, perhaps a virus, stimulates those dormant branch buds in a particular area to start growing. But instead of breaking through the bark and starting new branches, growth seems random.

It is very common to find trapped or "included bark" within a burl and even cracks and voids. These can be part of a bowl turned from a burl, making the bowl fragile and purely decorative. Dark spots within the burl wood are considered to be those previously branch buds.

Removing a burl from a living tree can kill the tree. Burl wood is highly desirable, and seldom available from Cincinnati trees.

Burl wood often will bend or warp significantly as it dries, perhaps because of the random growth. This bowl exhibits that significant bending as it dried, making a marvelous reminder that wood is a natural product.

Because of induded bark and voids, the bowl is more decorative than useable.