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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Andy Diggs on February 20, 2009, 10:17:00 AM

Title: Tree ID
Post by: Andy Diggs on February 20, 2009, 10:17:00 AM

Does anyone have any tips or referene suggestions for identifying tree species when the leaves are off?

Title: Re: Tree ID
Post by: fireball31 on February 20, 2009, 11:51:00 AM

There are a bunch of ways to do it. Most tree classification books will explain it for you.  You will have to look at bud scars, and bark.  Its not hard once you figure out the signs. i recommend the Audubon society books.

Title: Re: Tree ID
Post by: Pat B on February 20, 2009, 12:04:00 PM

Audubon Tree Guide is an excellent reference.    Pat

Title: Re: Tree ID
Post by: Forester on February 20, 2009, 12:54:00 PM

MAD Cap Horse is Opposite!

M for Maple
A for Ash
D for Dogwood
Caprifoliaceae
Hosechestnut

These species have an opposite branching pattern.

More common is an alternate branching pattern as found in oaks.

As mentioned, there is a lot to learn about buds, bundle scars and bark that can help ID winter trees.  Of course the ones with green needles are pine trees, but even there you can distinguih by the size, shape and number of needles in each bundle.

Bark recognition is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.

Here is a site that may be helpful:   http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/main.htm

Title: Re: Tree ID
Post by: Andy Diggs on February 20, 2009, 03:32:00 PM

Thanks....and sorry about the spelling, I was in the woods typing on my phone. I'm pretty good with the oaks and maples, but I ran into a few trees I couln't figure out today.