Question: How do you know a plant is a tree?
Answer: It is not always so simple in being certain you have a tree. Let me explain:
A shrub is a small, low growing woody plant usually supporting multiple stems. It rarely grows into the forest canopy. A vine, while often growing into the forest canopy, is a woody plant that depends on an erect substrate to grow on. Shrubs and vines can sometimes confuse the tree ID novice.
In contrast, a tree can be defined as a woody plant with a single erect perennial trunk at least 3 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). Most trees have definitely formed crowns of foliage and attain heights in excess of 13 feet.
