Basic tree identification in Tennessee, every sawyer should be able to identify Episode #1

Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Tree Identification in Tennessee

1. Identifying Sweetgum Trees:

   • Look for trees with spiky gum balls.
   • Check the leaves for a distinct pattern and soft texture.
   • Sweetgum trees have bark that feels like cork.

2. Recognizing Yellow Poplar Trees:

   • Look for gray bark with interwoven patterns.
   • The state tree of Tennessee with tulip-shaped leaves.

3. Spotting Black Walnut Trees:

   • Identify trees with large, interwoven bark and deep grooves.
   • Look for walnut trees with dark-colored bark and distinctive leaves.

4. Identifying Eastern Red Cedar Trees:

   • Recognize trees with small leaves and a characteristic smell.
   • The bark of Eastern Red Cedar can be peeled off for fire starting.

5. Identifying Ash Trees:

   • Look for trees with light-colored bark and deep grooves.
   • Ash trees have leaves with stems measuring 8 to 10 inches.

6. Recognizing Dogwood Trees:

   • Identify trees with waxy-coated leaves and distinctive bark.
   • Dogwood trees have slow growth and unique bark patterns.

7. Distinguishing Red Oak and White Oak Trees:

   • Differentiate between the darker bark of red oak and the lighter bark of white oak.
   • Red oak bark has gray spots, while white oak bark can be scaly.

8. Identifying American Beech Trees:

   • Look for trees with smooth gray bark and large leaves.
   • Beech trees have leaves that can slap you due to their size and texture.

9. Spotting Persimmon Trees:

   • Identify trees with dark bark and orangish-yellow fruits.
   • Persimmon trees have bark that looks like raised grains.

10. Recognizing Cherry Trees:

    • Look for trees with scaly bark and distinctive leaves.
    • Cherry trees have bark that is a dead giveaway for identification.

11. Identifying Sycamore Trees:

    • Recognize trees with scaly bark and large broad leaves.
    • Sycamore trees have sections with no bark on the trunk.

12. Spotting Red Maple Trees:

    • Look for trees with dark bark and large leaves.
    • Red maple trees are also known as swamp maple and have beautiful wood.

13. Distinguishing Hickory Trees:

    • Identify trees with interwoven grayish bark and hickory nuts on the ground.
    • Hickory trees have distinctive leaves that are easy to identify.

14. Recognizing Box Elder Trees:

    • Look for trees with grayish bark similar to poplar or ash.
    • Box elder trees have leaves that are freshly sprouted and distinctive bark.

15. Identifying Chinese Chestnut Trees:

    • Recognize trees with light gray bark and long, hairy leaves.
    • Chinese chestnut trees have large leaves and unique fruits.

16. Spotting Pecan Trees:

    • Look for trees with grayish bark and leaves similar to hickory and black walnut.
    • Pecan trees have leaves spaced out in a distinctive manner.

17. Identifying Catawba Trees:

    • Recognize trees with large heart-shaped leaves and white flowers.
    • Catawba trees have distinctive leaves and are known for their flowers.

18. Exploring the Surroundings:

    • Take a walk in the woods to observe various tree species.
    • Learn about the characteristics of different trees and their identifying features.

By following these steps and observations, you can enhance your knowledge of tree identification in Tennessee and appreciate the diversity of trees in the region.