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Introduction to Tree Identification

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Search Results for ' Tree identification'

PAL Questions: 1 - Garden Tools: 2 - Recommended Websites: 10

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Keywords: Populus, Tree identification, Slopes (Soil mechanics), Soil erosion, Soil stabilization

PAL Question:

When a cottonwood tree is cut down, does the stump die, or does it send out shoots that grow into more trees?

And, if a cottonwood tree located on a hillside is cut down, what is the risk of erosion?

View Answer:

As it turns out, some poplars and cottonwoods sucker from the roots and some do not. Determining what kind of cottonwood you have is the key to answering this question.

Identifying tree varieties can be tricky. The best way to get a positive ID is to take a sample to the Hyde Herbarium at the Center for Urban Horticulture (near the University of Washington). It is definitely worth a visit, as it is the only herbarium on the West Coast that serves the public.

Hours, driving directions, how to collect specimens, etc. are at http://depts.washington.edu/hydeherb.

As for your second question, here is what the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Vegetation Management: A Guide for Puget Sound Bluff Property Owners has to say (p.25):
Given the importance of tree cover on potentially unstable slopes and the advisability of retaining them for erosion control purposes, a landowner should explore alternative options to tree removal or topping...[if a tree must be cut] stumps and root systems should be left undisturbed...[to reduce the risk of erosion].

The above document is available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pubs/93-31/intro.html.

A companion website from the Washington State Dept. of Ecology contains a great list of groundcovers, shrubs and trees that will help keep your slope intact if you decide to remove the cottonwood. Go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pubs/93-30/index.html and click on Plant Selection.

Season All Season
Date 2008-01-17
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Keywords: Tree planting, Tree identification

Garden Tool:

Trees are the answer! Or at least trees make our lives better by casting shade, cleaning the air and giving refuge to birds. It's important to find the right tree for the right place.

  • Great Plant Picks has selected plants that are proven performers in the Pacific Northwest. Complete profiles of all selected trees are available at their website www.greatplantpicks.org or give them a call to get their free booklet (206) 362-8612
  • Use SelectTree, a database from the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute to select attributes that you want your tree to possess, such as clay soil, dry, resistant to verticillium wilt and fragrant flowers (that search suggested ornamental pear). Over 1,000 trees are profiled.
  • More tree information can be found at Virginia Tech Dendrology department fact sheet database, including a recording of the proper pronunciation of the Latin name. Over 800 trees are listed.
  • Friends of the Trees promotes planting trees in our cities to improve our quality of life. Their website also offers tree profiles and has a list of suggested trees for planting under power lines.

Season: Fall
Date: 2007-04-03
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Keywords: Trees--Care and maintenance, Trees--Diseases and pests, Trees, Tree identification

Garden Tool:

Silvics of North America Online by United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 1990.

Property owners with woodlots and tree lovers alike will find the Silvics of North America an informative and authoritative reference source on trees. Two hundred, mostly North American native trees are described including native habitat, associated trees and shrubs, propagation details, growth rate, and information on the major pests that may damage the tree. Many entries have information on the root development, which can be helpful in learning if a chosen tree will tolerate construction, or be appropriate for planting over water utilities.

Season: All Season
Date: 2007-07-12
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October 13 2009 09:13:54