Tree ID

[Davidwc]

I am making some hiking sticks and have many choices on my 9 acres in Alabama. I am having a hard time identifying the wood, especially in winter. Anyone know a good book that identifies trees that would help?

[kev.b]

David you could try looking for an internet tree ID site.
http://http://www.arborday.org/trees...TrackingID=908

[brian-bailey]

David,

This site might be of some help to you.

https://fp.auburn.edu/sfws/samuelson/dendrology/

Brian...

[TreeWizard]

Contact your local Cooperative Extension, They should have books available to help you identify trees in winter by the bark and the twigs. Tarer may be a minimal charge, mine for trees of the northeast was around $4.

It's actually easier in my opinion to use the twigs to make a proper identification.

[Claude]

Here are some more links for you.

What Tree Is It? HOME
Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS
Dendrology at Virginia Tech
History of Forestry - The American Woods: exhibited by actual specimens and with copious explanatory text by Romeyn B. Hough

Claude

[chuckbolton]

you county extension office probably has a book available of local trees-- including pictures of bark and leaves.

[Clifford_Parker]

I use the leaf ID feature at the Virginia Tech site Claude posted a lot. In late fall or winter simply look for the leaves UNDER the tree.

[Keoma]

Books are really great - but I think the funnest and most knowledgable way to identify local flora is to ask an old timer in your area They know everything and then some about the area and anything else that may have happened there! It would benefit the both of you! They may even have more info than you would find in a book! Good luck to you!

[Davidwc]

Wow- Thanks for the great response to my question. I was in the woods a while today and was amazed at the different types of trees. These are great ideas to help me solve the problem.

[Sharon of the Dell]

I'm thinking you should cut some sticks even if you don't know what they are, unless of course it may be poison oak, and seal the ends.And let them dry. Most trees that have lost their leaves are probably some kind of hardwood and would probably be fine for sticks. Then when they get their leaves(the live trees that is) it will be easier to identify. That way your one yump ahead!