Question: Where should I start when identifying a tree?
Determine if your tree is, in fact, a tree when starting the tree identification process. Just knowing a plant is a tree, as opposed to a vine or a shrub, is a very important first step in the elimination process that takes you toward final identification. Review my "How do you know a plant is a tree?" FAQ.
Answer: Identification is really quite simple if you use these next three "helps":
1. Find out what your tree and its parts look like. Leaves, flowers, bark, shape, and fruit are all used to identify tree species. These "markers" can be unique to the educated observer. Take pictures, collect specimens, make notes and commit to memory details about the tree. Review my "Don't all trees look alike?" FAQ.
2. Find out if your tree will or will not grow naturally in a particular area. All trees favor certain ranges and chances are you will not find forest trees outside their natural range. Review my "Do tree species favor certain "ranges?" FAQ.
3. Find a local key to use in combination with your specimen collection and range information. This key will guide you through the process of elimination to final identification. Review my "What is a tree key?" FAQ.
Tip: I have provided you with a very simple key. It can give you a feel for using a key but can only help you with the most common trees growing in the United States. If you have a leaf - use this tree finder key.
Better still is to purchase a field guide. Here are the best on the market!
Top Tree Identification Field Guides .
