Look to the branches! All trees have either opposite or alternate branching.If no scales exist, the buds are considered “naked.” The number and arrangement of the buds on the twigs are also important. Most buds have protective scales that enclose the leaf tissue. Leaves form as either terminal buds –found at the ends of twigs, or lateral buds - along the sides of twigs. Flower buds form in various places and are often much larger than leaf buds. The shape, size, color, and texture of the buds vary from species to species.Virginia Tech has a great Twig Key that takes you step-by-step in determining what tree your twig came from. They can also tell you where the buds grow. Twig markings, such as the bundle and leaf scars, offers information as to how leaves are arranged when present.Since there are no leaves – on the deciduous trees, that is - it’s best to study the twigs, buds, and bark. In the winter months, identifying trees takes a bit more scrutinizing. Tree identification always requires a little detective work. Identifying Deciduous Trees in the Winter Your other senses – smell, touch and even taste – may also come into play. When it comes to winter tree identification, knowing the placement of buds, the texture of the bark, and the shape and size of the twigs are the best ways to identify the tree. However, when deciduous trees lose their leaves as winter draws near, this way is no longer an option. Shape characteristics include: the edges (or margins) and if they are smooth, toothed, or lobed the length of stems, or petioles the shape of the tips and bases of leaf and the surface details - all important in distinguishing a leaf from one species to another. When using the leaves to identify trees, you have to consider their arrangement on the stem, whether they are simple (a single leaf) or compound (several leaves attached to a midrib) and the overall shape of the leaf. Each category and species of tree has a unique shape and look to their leaves, making it a simple way to identify trees. Leaves are by far the easiest way to identify trees. ![]() In the winter, it is obvious which trees are evergreens and which ones are not. Conifers, also known as evergreens, maintain their leaves and colors all year round. Is it deciduous or a conifer? Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and grow them back every spring. Regardless of the season or state of the tree’s life, basic tree identification usually begins with the easiest question to answer. Learn how all your senses are needed when identifying trees in the winter months.
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