What Kind of Tree Do I Have?

You don’t need to be a tree specialist to identify what is in your backyard. Maybe you’ve just moved on to a new property and noticed a strange tree. Maybe you’ve been on your property a while and want to know the types of trees you have in your yard. Either way, here is a guide to start narrowing down what species of tree you have!

Deciduous or Coniferous?

You could be wondering what kind of tree you have in order to trim it. Before we begin discussing the different types of trees, let’s make things easier by breaking them into two categories. First of all, trees are either deciduous or coniferous. Deciduous trees are the most common type of tree in North America. Deciduous trees have leaves that fall in the autumn, while coniferous trees keep their foliage all year round and have cones. There are actually trees that are considered deciduous conifers as well. Deciduous conifers have cones and they also change colors in the fall and lose their foliage.

Deciduous trees have different categories for the leaves that they have. Their leaves can be simple or compound in structure. A simple leaf is just one singular leaf per stem. A compound leaf is a cluster of leaves that radiate from a single stem. Compound leaves also have the subcategories of pinnate or palmate structures. A pinnate leaf will have an equal amount of leaves coming from either side of the stem. A palmate leaf will have small leaves radiating from the end of a stem, sort of like fingers attached to the palm.

Most Common Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are trees that lose their leaves seasonally. When you think about the beautiful colors that come with the autumn season, you are thinking of deciduous trees! If the tree in question loses its leaves every year, then you are in the right category. Below are some of the most common deciduous trees in the United States.

Oak Trees

Oak trees have single, compound leaves. Their leaves are broad, flat, and lobed. Their lobes can either be round or pointed, depending on the specific type of oak tree. Oak trees also bear acorns.

Maple Trees

Maple trees have single, compound leaves. Maple trees will often have leaves with three or five pointed lobes. Their leaves will change to red, orange, or yellow in the fall. Maple trees are a popular choice for adding decoration or shade to a property. There are several different variations of maple trees.

Birch Trees

Birch trees have simple leaves with serrated or toothed edges. Their seed pods are small and have paper-like wings. These seed pods are also referred to as ‘helicopters’ due to the way they spiral when they fall.

Ash Trees

An ash tree will have smooth, grey bark. Ash tree leaves are pinnately compound. Ash trees, depending on the species, may have 5-11 leaflets.

Willow Trees

Willow tree leaves have long, narrow, unlobed leaves. The leaves have a bit of sheen to them and have a slightly serrated edge. A willow tree will also have light, reddish-brown bark.

Poplar Trees

Most popular species of poplar trees have attractive, grey bark. Their leaves are simple compounds and are in the shape of a rounded triangle. They also have clusters of flowers during some of the year.

Aspen Trees

Aspen trees have white bark that is marked with black scars from where small branches have naturally pruned themselves. Aspen leaves are simple, compound leaves that have a rounded heart shape.

Beech Trees

Beech tree leaves are usually oblong or oval. They range between 3-6 inches in length and have serrated edges.

Walnut Trees

Walnut tree leaves are pinnately compound. The number of leaflets on a twig can range from 5-25 leaflets. Walnut trees also have close to golf-ball-sized green, round pods.

Need a Tree Specialist?

LTRC-Tree Specialists take pride in helping clients with their tree issues. We specialize in a variety of services including tree trimming and shaping, tree care, and land clearance. We also can professionally plant trees for you! We guarantee that we will work hard until you are satisfied with your home’s landscaping and the appearance of your trees. Visit our website or call us at (404) 977-4574.