Where should I start when identifying a tree?
Where should I start when identifying a tree? Wednesday August 5, 2009 The first important thing you need to determine is that the plant is actually a tree. Sounds easy but can quickly take you down the wrong identification path even before you start if you only look at the leaves. A tree is 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 attains heights in excess of 13 feet. In contrast, a shrub is a small, low growing woody plant with multiple stems. A vine is a woody plant that depends on an erect substrate to grow on. After making sure you have a tree, then examine its parts. Leaves, flowers, bark, shape, and fruit are all used to identify tree species. With a goo
