3. Introduction
In a world that is full of a seemingly countless amount of tree species, the
important task of identifying and classifying them can be daunting. For one to
argue the importance of identifying trees, it is much more convincing to
answer that question by teaching others the importance trees, first.
Here is a list of just some of the benefits that trees provide. Trees produce
oxygen, clean the soil, control noise pollution, slow storm water runoff,
absorbs carbon, clean the air, provide shade and a cooling affect, act as
windbreaks, combat soil erosion, and increase property value. (About.com -
Forestry, n.d.)
Identifying trees does not have to be a daunting, highly scientific task.
There are plenty of resources available to the public that have been created by
professionals such as scientists, foresters, and other academically minded
people. Having a basic knowledge of trees and knowing which tools to use can
make tree identification fun and easy.
4. The first step in tree identification is to how a
basic understanding of tree anatomy.
5. “Characteristics of leaves, bark, flowers, and seeds—along with
tree size and tree growth patterns—are the distinguishing features
used to identify trees” (Burton 428).
6. One source that can be found online is theVirginiaTechTree Leaf Key.
The first step, as stated on their online key is to describe if the leaf of the
tree in question has broad leaves, or slender or scaly leaves.
7. The second step is to determine the leaf pattern, if a broad leaf. If the leaf is
slender or scaly, determine if it is needle-like or scale-like. (For the purpose of this
project, the assumed tree pattern will be that of a broad leaf).
8. Once the leaf pattern has been determined, (in this case, an alternating
pattern) the next step is to determine the leaf shape. Some examples
include; Simple, Compound, Long & Slender, or Palm-Like.
9. Let’s say our mystery tree has compound leaves – “…when two or more
leaf blades arise from a common point of attachment on the branch or
twig” (Burton 413). The type of compound leaves must be determined.
Palmately, pinnately, or trifoliate.
My leaf is palmately compound -
leaflets radiate from one point
My leaf is pinnately compound - it has
a central stalk with several leaflets
My leaf is trifoliate - it has three
leaflets per compound leaf
10. Let’s say it was determined that the leaf is pinnately compound. The tree
can further be narrowed down by determining if the leaf is bipinnately or
just pinnately compound.
My leaf is pinnately compound - it has
a central stalk with several leaflets
My leaf is bipinnately compound - it has a
central rachis and secondary rachises
12. Most identification tools found online are able to narrow down the
results to a number of possibilities. The final stages are to narrow the
results by knowing your trees type of flower, its fruit, the length of its
leaf, it’s bark pattern, texture, and color.
13. Other characteristics to take into account when
identifying a species of tree are its seeds, stem, roots,
and location on Earth.
14. Summary
The importance of trees for the well being of Earth makes the task of tree
identification a necessary skill for many professions such as, scientists,
foresters, agriculture professionals, land developers, and even law makers.
Although very important and at times a daunting task, tree identification
can be fun and thus spread awareness among the general public. There are
many web-sites with tools and guides to help regular, untrained people
identify trees. Some examples include theVirginiaTechTree Leaf Key, the
USDA Plants Database, the NC State University Plants page, and the
About.com Forestry page.
A great place for anyone to start with their newly acquired tree
identification skills is in their own back yard or local park.
15. References
10 reasons not to cut down trees. (n.d.). <i>About.com Forestry</i>. Retrieved August 24, 2014,
from http://forestry.about.com/od/treephysiology/tp/tree_value.htm
Burton, L. (2012). Ch. 7 - Fire and the Forest. Introduction to forestry science (3rd Ed –
VitalBook file ed., pp. 401-19). Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning.
Easily identify trees using a tree leaf key. (n.d.). <i>About.com Forestry</i>. Retrieved August
24, 2014, from http://forestry.about.com/od/treeidentification/tp/tree_key_id_start.htm
Plants. (n.d.). <i>Plants | NC State University</i>. Retrieved August 24, 2014, from
http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Plants database | usda plants. (n.d.).Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS.
Retrieved August 22, 2014, from http://plants.usda.gov/java/
Vt dendrology leaf key. (n.d.).VT Department of Forest Resources and Environmental
Conservation. Retrieved August 24, 2014, from
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/key/key1old.cfm?state=VA&zone=