In using this guide to identify trees, ask yourself the following: Does tree have standard leaves or needles/needle like leaves?

If needle-like, do they emerge from twigs in small groups (2-5-ish) at tip of twig (Pines); arranged along twig (spruce/fir); or have branched tube-ish look(cypress/juniper).

If standard, what is leaf shape? Oval with small or no points (oaks); pointy-heart-shaped (aspen/cottonwood); large points (sycamore/maple); compound with leaflets (mesquite/walnut/ash/locust); long and narrow (silver oak/willows)

Once group is ID'd, go to appropriate section of guide and then look at pics and check other characteristics (bark, details of leaf shape, location).

We use a few terms/conventions in our descriptions. Scientific names are included when a given tree species is first introduced. If a group of trees has several species, we use sp. in some scientific names. The abbreviation ssp. in a few names means a variety or subspecies.