This document provides an introduction to identifying tree species. It discusses why identifying trees is important for land management, enjoyment and education. The document then describes some basic tree anatomy and different methods for identifying trees, such as leaves, bark, and fruit. It introduces the concept of a dichotomous key and provides a basic leaf key to demonstrate how to identify tree species step-by-step based on leaf characteristics. The key asks questions about whether leaves are broad or needle-like, opposite or alternate, simple or compound, and more, to systematically narrow down possibilities.

1. Basics to Tree ID:Basics to Tree ID:
Greenbelt Forest StewardsGreenbelt Forest Stewards
Tim CulbrethTim Culbreth
Chesapeake Watershed ForesterChesapeake Watershed Forester
Maryland Forest ServiceMaryland Forest Service
tculbreth@dnr.state.md.ustculbreth@dnr.state.md.us

2. TopicsTopics
• Why ID Trees?
• What is a tree?
• Different ways to identify trees
• Tree names
• Simple tree key

3. • Timber Products
Why Identify Trees?Why Identify Trees?

4. • Wildlife Habitat
Why Identify Trees?Why Identify Trees?

5. • Indicators of
Soil Types &
Conditions
Why IdentifyWhy Identify
Trees?Trees?

6. Why Identify Trees?Why Identify Trees?
• Educated Land Use and Land
Management Decisions

7. Why Identify Trees?Why Identify Trees?
• For Your Own Satisfaction & Enjoyment

8. To Know What YouTo Know What You’’re Doing!re Doing!
Executive Office of the Governor of MarylandExecutive Office of the Governor of Maryland

9. What Is a Tree?What Is a Tree?
•• ““A woody plant which atA woody plant which at
maturity is 20 feet or morematurity is 20 feet or more
in height,with a singlein height,with a single
trunk , unbranched for attrunk , unbranched for at
least several feet aboveleast several feet above
the ground, and havingthe ground, and having
more or less a definitemore or less a definite
crown.crown.””

10. Some Different WaysSome Different Ways
to Identify Treesto Identify Trees

11. LeavesLeaves

12. BarkBark

13. TwigsTwigs

14. Form or ShapeForm or Shape

15. FlowersFlowers

16. ConesCones

17. FruitFruit

18. Fall ColorFall Color

19. Position in LandscapePosition in Landscape

20. WoodWood

21. TreeTree
NamesNames

22. What do these trees have inWhat do these trees have in
common?common?
•• BlueBlue--beechbeech
•• IronwoodIronwood
•• MusclewoodMusclewood
•• WaterWater--beechbeech
•• American hornbeamAmerican hornbeam

23. Carpinus caroliniana

24. Dichotomous KeyDichotomous Key
•• A series of choicesA series of choices
•• Divided into two partsDivided into two parts
or classificationsor classifications
•• If not (x), then (y)If not (x), then (y)

25. Leaf KeyLeaf Key
Leaves: Broad or NeedleLeaves: Broad or Needle--like?like?

26. If Leaves Broad:
Alternate or Opposite?
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

27. If Leaves Opposite:If Leaves Opposite:
MAD Horse!MAD Horse!
Maple, Ash, Dogwood, Horse ChestnutMaple, Ash, Dogwood, Horse Chestnut
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

28. Leaf KeyLeaf Key
If Leaves Opposite:If Leaves Opposite:
Simple or Compound?Simple or Compound?

29. If Leaves Alternate:
Simple or Compound?
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

30. If Leaves Simple:
Smooth, Toothed or Lobed?
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

31. If Leaves Needle-like:
Single or Bundles?
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

32. If Needles in Bundles:
Groups of 2, 3 or 5?
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

33. Scale-like leaves
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

34. Awl-like leaves
Leaf KeyLeaf Key

35. Red Oak Group
White Oak Group
Oak LeavesOak Leaves

39. Sugar
Maple
Norway
Maple
Red
Maple

58. Questions?Questions?
Tim CulbrethTim Culbreth
tculbreth@dnr.state.md.ustculbreth@dnr.state.md.us
410410--260260--85898589