End of winter/ early spring is a great time of year to really look at the trees around us. Here in New Hampshire we have quite a variety,  probably much more than you might imagine. Native tree species run to about seventy or so. And of course we also have many non-native species planted for their landscaping appeal or tolerance of specific conditions. (There are also the non-native invasive species which we’ll talk about in another blog post.)

Species are split into “hardwood”  and “softwood”  groupings. Trees are also grouped as “coniferous” and “deciduous.”  But, as with any classifications, there are the exceptions.  Here’s an example of a “deciduous conifer.” The Tamarack –which has needles but loses them every fall:

Have you ever wondered, while driving/walking/jogging /biking, “What kind of tree is that?”

Maybe you’re thinking of planting some different  trees around your home. Maybe you enjoy the local green scenery and just want to know what you’re looking at. Maybe you’ve been asked by a youngster “Do you know what that tree is?”  

Notice the shape of the tree; its bark; whether its deciduous or coniferous; look at  its  leaves or needles,  fruit or seed or cone – all of these will offer clues….

Tamarack Cones

There are six basic tree shapes: 

Beech Tree

Paper Birch Trunk

Oak Tree Trunk

A great way to research a tree that you see is to take photos of the bark, the leaf, the seeds – and then match it all up to a tree ID guide.
ArborDay.Org offers a lot of resources.

Trees are essential for quality of life.  Get to know the trees in your neighborhood. 

“The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the enobling in man, and for one, I wish to see it become universal.”  — Julius Sterling Morton