Most of us DIY enthusiasts enjoy making crafts out of driftwood. While we’re generally amazed by its rich look and beauty, it’s essential to know its origin. Have you ever wondered what tree driftwood is?
Driftwood ideally means the remnants of a tree that’s washed due to various reasons (like winds or floods) and ends up on the shore of the water body. This wind-blown timber can land on the shore in various forms, including pallets, lumber, twigs, and branches.
Isn’t that interesting to know how driftwood evolves and reaches our hands? Let’s dig into it further in this article.
Driftwood And Trees
Driftwood has been in use since the Norse mythology period. However, there’s no one tree that transforms into driftwood. For example, neem, mangrove, and banyan trees that are growing on the shore often have droppings due to soil erosion and other natural incidents. In such cases, these twigs and logs are considered driftwood.
Perhaps, you can customize driftwood based on your craft needs. Your driftwood can be a branch or root or simply a log from any tree. In any case, the usage of driftwood isn’t the same for all tree origins.
For instance, mangrove roots are considered Sumatran driftwood. When mangroves along the shore are cleared for any reason, such dead mango trees convert into driftwood.
Some are ideal for aquariums, while others are for craft purposes.
Some of the common woods and their tree origins are listed below.
| Driftwood name | Tree origin |
| Mopani wood | Mopane tree |
| Sumatran driftwood | Mangrove roots |
| Manzanita wood | Shrubs on the shore |
| Bogwood | No tree origin; it’s a submerged wood |
| Cholla wood | Upright cactus |
| Tree root driftwood | Root of any tree on the shore |
Is Driftwood A Tree
Driftwood is a part of a tree (trunk, root, or branch) that’s fallen from a tree along the shoreside. Most driftwood collected from these shores is treated to remove tannins and then used for the intended reasons.
In recent times, driftwood is also artificially created to replicate the look of a tree. Such woods are treated at the first level and can be customized based on the requirement.
Is Driftwood A Specific Type Of Wood
Driftwood implies floating wood from various trees that are on the shore of a water body. Based on the tree from which the wood has fallen, the driftwood gets its name.
For instance, straight cactus remains become Cholla wood.
Final Thoughts
As a driftwood user, you should pay attention to the source of the tree to use it appropriately. Otherwise, it can differ in properties and usability of the wood as each tree or its part has specific properties.
READ MORE: Why do they call it Driftwood?