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recommendation for tree ID book

11 years ago

While I don't expect to attain the expertise of the many people who post on this forum, I would very much like to get better at identifying trees. There are many tree guides out there, and I would guess that some are really good and some are useless, so I am asking if you could recommend one or two that would help.

I am in NJ, and spend many hours driving to and from NY and MA to visit family, so a guide for trees of the Northeastern US would make sense. I am not a botanist, but I've picked up a fair amount of scientific information along the way, so it wouldn't have to be Trees For Dummies.

I really want a book, or two - one to take with me and one to pore over at the kitchen table; I find it difficult to pore over a computer or smartphone.

I appreciate any guidance you can give me on this; thanks!

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Comments (8)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
You can't go wrong with the National Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees (Eastern Region) . Great photos of leaves, flowers, seed bearing structures (fruit, berries, nuts, cones) and bark. The book is divided into common sense groupings, making on the spot ID pretty easy. It includes deciduous and broad leaf evergreens, as well as conifers.

All of the Audobon field guides are very durable...perfect for active use.
nandina
11 years ago
Also, another one of my favorite 'go to' reference books for your area is THE TREE IDENTIFICATION BOOK by George W.D. Symonds.
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Brandon, the 'programs' that you are referring to are called "keys" and they are a classic method of plant identification based on morphological characteristics. I've linked to one very rudimetary online form but the better ones are more detailed and are published in the traditional manner. Personally, I find the online keys a bit awkward to work with. Myrtle, the same link will get you to a winter ID guide for deciduous native trees. Again, the online form of this type of info is not as satisfactory as a book, IMO. And while various genera and species do not always grow in a uniform manner (too many variables for that to happen), you can ceratinly use winter silhouettes to supplement other known characteristics to narrow down your choices. Here is a link that might be useful: tree key
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lisanti07028
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you both very much! Maybe Santa will bring them to me...
Embothrium
11 years ago
Ho-HOOOH!

Is he reading?
nandina
11 years ago
Time out for a bit of fun with this question re traveling and tree identification. When one is familiar with trees and each variety's best growing situation it is possible, after also noting surrounding vegetation in an area, to put together a fairly accurate soil sample of the passing scenery. Also such observances noted quickly along roadways can be helpful guides to an area's geology.

For instance, we are driving and viewing an old growth wooded hill along the MA Turnpike. With your knowledge of trees could you answer the following question...."where on that hill would be the best spot to drill a well?" What significant tree(s)have I noted which indicate an underground source of moving water?
lisanti07028
Original Author
11 years ago
I hope that I could someday answer just that sort of question! Look for willows,perhaps?
nandina
11 years ago
Sorry, lisantio. I did not mean to leave you driving endlessly on the MA. Turnpike without an answer to my question. Yes, willows growing in their natural state are a sign of wet soil conditions but are more an indication of collected standing water trapped in depressed areas of soils which perk poorly, such as clay.

Start watching those old (or second growth old) hillsides for very large oak trees, perhaps only 5 or so might be noted from top to bottom. These are an indication of a path of underground moving water. Drilling the well below the base of the bottom most oak on the hillside usually produces a dependable supply of water.
lisanti07028
Original Author
11 years ago
Whew! I just virtually passed Pittsfield for the tenth time, so thanks for coming back.That is very interesting about the oaks; this is a good day, because I learned something new. Thank you!

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